Ukraine has launched its largest air attacks on Russian territory since the war began nearly three years ago, as the incoming U.S. administration prepares for a shift in foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that the missile and drone strikes would not go unanswered, accusing Ukraine of using Western-supplied weapons, including U.S.-made ATACMS ballistic missiles and British Storm Shadow projectiles. Most projectiles were intercepted, but key industrial areas and multiple cities, including Saratov and Engels, sustained damage. Factories were hit, schools transitioned to remote learning, and several airports temporarily halted operations.
Ukrainian forces also targeted Bryansk, Tula, and Tatarstan, with a chemical plant producing rocket fuel and ammunition among the key sites struck. The attacks follow a recent strike on an oil depot linked to a Russian bomber airbase, which caused a significant fire just days before these latest assaults.
In response, Russia launched a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile, Oreshnik, against Ukrainian positions and has vowed further retaliation. Moscow maintains it is open to negotiations but refuses to back down from its demands on Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently remarked that Ukraine remains militarily weak for negotiations from a position of strength. Meanwhile, former U.S. diplomat William Courtney suggested Ukraine’s recent offensive may be an attempt to demonstrate resilience and strength to Trump, who previously promised to end the conflict swiftly but has become more supportive of Ukraine post-election.
Amid the escalating tensions, Russian forces continue to advance deeper into eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv’s offensive into Russia’s Kursk region has reportedly led to the capture of North Korean soldiers fighting for Moscow.