Russia Reports ATACMS Strike on Voronezh region, Ukraine Seeks More Air Defense
A recent Ukrainian attack utilizing US-supplied ATACMS missiles targeted the Voronezh region of Russia, according to both Ukrainian and Russian officials. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the Ukrainian General StaffS report of the ATACMS usage, stating that four missiles were intercepted and destroyed.
the ministry claims debris from the intercepted missiles impacted a gerontological center, an orphanage, and a private residence. However, they reported no civilian deaths or injuries. russian media indicates a military airfield in Voronezh is used for Su-34 fighter jet missions into Ukraine. Moscow alleges Kyiv deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure with the US missiles.
Ukraine announced the ATACMS strike on Tuesday, marking a important growth in the conflict. The weapons systems were provided by the US in 2023, initially with restrictions limiting their use to Ukrainian territory – roughly a fifth of which is currently under Russian control.
Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump signaled a willingness to lift restrictions on the use of long-range US missiles following a September meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian media notes this is the first reported use of ATACMS since trump took office, contrasting with previous attacks on Russian territory with these missiles under the Biden governance, including a January strike.
Following a wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine, President Zelensky appealed to allies for increased pressure on Russia and a greater supply of anti-aircraft missiles. He stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Russia’s attacks on civilian life demonstrate insufficient pressure and that “effective sanctions and aid to Ukraine can change this.” Ukrainian utilities report damage to energy infrastructure in seven regions, with electricity consumption restricted nationwide.
The attacks also prompted heightened alert in neighboring countries. Poland deployed fighter jets and temporarily closed airports in Rzeszow and Lublin to facilitate military airspace control. Romania similarly launched fighter jets, including Eurofighters from a German Bundeswehr contingent, after detecting a drone during the Russian attacks. While airspace was secured, no drone strikes on Romanian territory were reported. Romania, a NATO and EU member, shares a 650-kilometer border with ukraine and has previously experienced debris from Russian drones falling within it’s territory during attacks on Ukrainian ports.
As of this reporting, Russia has reported 19 deaths and 64 injuries as an inevitable result of recent attacks.
Source: ntv.de, ghö/dpa/rts**
