Russian Ministry of Defense Confirms ATACMS Strikes and Promises Retaliation

The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed Ukraine’s usage of US-supplied ATACMS long-range ballistic missiles in the Kursk region and declared the preparation of retaliatory measures.

According to reports from the Ministry of Defense, Ukraine deployed ATACMS missiles to target an S-400 air defense system near the village of Lotarevka (approximately 37 km north-west of Kursk) on November 23, and later, the Kursk-East tactical aviation airfield in the Kursk region on November 25.

Ukraine gained approval in mid-November to implement Western long-range missiles on military targets within the territory of the Russian Federation. The initiative was soon backed by the United Kingdom and France, which authorized the use of Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles on Russian territory to strike military targets.

This decision significantly expanded Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, allowing it to target dozens of airfields, military bases, depots, and troop deployments. Following the approval, strikes began immediately. Within a single week, Ukraine launched four precise missile strikes using ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles against Russian military targets.

On November 21, Russian leader Vladimir Putin delivered an address on national TV regarding the use of Western weapons against Russian targets. “Tests of the ‘Oreshnik’ missile system under combat conditions are being conducted in response to NATO's aggressive actions toward Russia,” he stated in the address, “there will always be a response.”