For the very first time in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has launched long-range British Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory, coinciding with the recent use of United States-made long-range missiles targeting Russian positions, as reported by various British media outlets.
On Wednesday, Russian war correspondents shared dramatic footage on Telegram that allegedly captured the sound of missiles impacting the Kursk region, which is adjacent to the Ukrainian border. The recordings prominently featured at least 14 powerful explosions, each typically signaled by the sharp whistle of an incoming missile. The video footage, taken in a residential neighborhood, illustrated black smoke billowing up into the sky in the aftermath of the strikes.
Residents in Kursk also reportedly discovered fragments from the missiles scattered across the area, raising concerns about the possibility of further attacks.
A representative for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that his office would refrain from commenting on such operational matters, including the reported missile strikes.
On Tuesday prior to these events, Ukraine employed US-made long-range weaponry to target strategic locations within Russia’s borders. The Biden administration has permitted Ukraine to utilize these missiles specifically within and around the Kursk region, reflecting a shift in operational strategy.
In response to the escalating military actions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled a decrease in the threshold for a potential nuclear strike, in light of a wider scope of conventional attacks. Following these developments, Washington communicated that it had not identified any new justifications to modify its nuclear posture. Meanwhile, China has called for restraint amid the rising tensions.
Further shifting its policy on Wednesday, President Biden authorized the deployment of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine, a decision that underscores the urgency of the situation. In addition, the U.S. unveiled a substantial $275 million military aid package for Ukraine, which encompasses ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), artillery shells, Javelin surface-to-air missiles, and various small arms and ammunition.
The recent changes in U.S. policy arrive at a precarious moment, as Russia’s war in Ukraine stretches into its 1,000th day, with nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russian forces. Compounding concerns, North Korean troops have been spotted in the Kursk region, and speculation grows over the sustainability of Western aid as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January.
According to reporting from Kyiv by Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig, the authorization for the use of antipersonnel landmines appears to be part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at helping Ukraine impede Russian advances in the eastern part of the country. This tactic is designed to enhance Ukraine’s negotiating power in any forthcoming peace discussions.
As the outgoing Biden administration acts decisively, Baig noted the looming threat posed by President-elect Trump, who has expressed criticism toward U.S. military support for Ukraine and has vowed to end the conflict swiftly.
While the United States is not bound by the 1997 convention prohibiting landmines, President Biden had previously committed to minimizing their use. The Russian government has interpreted Washington’s decisions as an intention to extend the conflict and has pledged a response to these developments.
Russian foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin indicated in a Wednesday interview that Moscow would take retaliatory action against NATO countries that aid Ukraine’s long-range missile strikes into Russian territory.
Foreign embassies on alert in Kyiv
On Wednesday, the United States shuttered its embassy in Kyiv due to what officials described as a credible threat of a significant air attack on the capital. The situation escalated further when Ukraine’s military intelligence agency reported that Russian attempts to incite panic were underway, as fake online messages circulated about an impending barrage of missiles and drones.
In response to the heightened threat, both the Italian and Greek embassies also announced their temporary closure. The French embassy opted to maintain operations but advised its citizens to exercise caution. The German embassy in Kyiv indicated it would continue to function, albeit with limited capacity.
In a separate development, Ukraine’s parliament approved changes to military mobilization regulations, permitting Ukrainians recently freed from Russian captivity to defer military service. Additionally, soldiers may now be released from duty following the death or disappearance of a family member, further reflecting the emotional toll of the ongoing war.
A significant accomplishment was reported by Ukrainian forces, who successfully intercepted 56 of the 122 drones launched by Russia, as well as two of the six missiles that were targeted at Ukrainian positions.
Simultaneously, Moscow claimed its military had successfully neutralized a Ukrainian unit in the Olgovskaya Roshcha area within Kursk, a region that has seen intensified activity since Kyiv mounted an offensive there in August.
A Reuters report suggested that Putin is open to dialogue about a potential ceasefire with the incoming Trump administration; however, he firmly dismissed any major territorial concessions and insisted that Ukraine must surrender its aspirations to join NATO.
In response to the Reuters article, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that “any option of freezing this conflict will not work for us.” He emphasized the importance of achieving Russia’s established objectives, which he indicated are well-known to both the international community and to Ukraine.
Peskov elaborated, referring to Russia’s requirements for Ukraine to adopt a neutral and non-aligned status, secure the integrity of Russian borders, and refrain from hosting foreign weaponry within its territory.
What are the potential ramifications of increased military support from the U.S. and its allies for Ukraine’s efforts against Russia?
**Interview with Military Analyst about Recent Developments in Ukraine**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, [Alex Reed Name], a military analyst specializing in Eastern European conflicts. Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen the first use of British Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine targeting Russian territory. What does this signify for the current conflict?
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. The launch of British Storm Shadow missiles represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s military strategy. It indicates that Ukraine is becoming increasingly bold in its operational scope, which is critical as it suggests a shift in the balance of power and Ukraine’s willingness to strike deep into enemy territory. This move is likely a response to persistent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities.
**Interviewer:** And we’re also seeing the U.S. allowing the use of long-range missiles. How does this alliance shift the dynamics on the battlefield?
**Alex Reed:** The U.S. decision to permit Ukraine to use long-range weaponry shows strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and military capabilities. It enhances Ukraine’s ability to conduct precision strikes against logistics and command structures deep within Russia, potentially disrupting supply lines and demoralizing troops. This coordinated effort with British support can be seen as part of a broader strategy to tip the scales in favor of Ukraine as they continue to defend their territory.
**Interviewer:** There have been reports of dramatic explosions in the Kursk region following these missile strikes. How do you assess the impact on Russian morale and civilian sentiment?
**Alex Reed:** The explosions captured on video and the physical evidence of missile fragments found around Kursk can certainly instill fear. Reports like these affect not just military personnel but civilian morale as well. The image of war encroaching on Russian territory can lead to calls for a reassessment of the conflict within Russian society, especially among those who may have been indifferent to the war until now. If these attacks continue, we could see a shift in public opinion regarding Putin’s decisions.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of public perception, how has the Kremlin reacted to this escalation, especially with President Putin hinting at a lower threshold for nuclear strikes?
**Alex Reed:** Putin’s rhetoric reflects a defensive posture in the face of perceived threats. By lowering the threshold for nuclear engagement, he is signaling to both domestic and international audiences that Russia will respond aggressively to what it sees as increasing Western encroachment. This escalation in rhetoric often serves to rally support among hardliners within Russia while simultaneously attempting to deter further aid to Ukraine from NATO countries.
**Interviewer:** Given that the U.S. has authorized the use of antipersonnel landmines and a substantial military aid package for Ukraine, how might this affect the conflict moving forward?
**Alex Reed:** The use of landmines represents a controversial but strategic choice aimed at slowing Russian advances, particularly in Eastern Ukraine. This type of warfare can create significant challenges for military movements and is likely intended to fortify Ukraine’s defenses. The military aid package complements this by ensuring that Ukrainian forces are equipped for sustained operations. However, this also raises the stakes, with Russia likely viewing this as an escalation that warrants a more aggressive response.
**Interviewer:** With foreign embassies on alert in Kyiv and increasing threats of air strikes, how does this shape the international community’s approach?
**Alex Reed:** The heightened threat and subsequent embassy closures illustrate the real risks involved for foreign nationals in Ukraine. The international community is likely to respond by reassessing the safety of their personnel and possibly adjusting their diplomatic missions based on evolving threats. Ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict may face hurdles as tensions continue to escalate. It’s a precarious situation that requires careful navigation by world leaders.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, [Alex Reed Name], for your insights on these developments. It’s a complex and rapidly evolving situation that undoubtedly requires our attention.
**Alex Reed:** It was a pleasure to discuss these vital issues. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of this conflict.
