Drone and Missile Attacks on Russian Targets Intensify

On Tuesday, the Russian government announced that Ukraine had executed an extensive military operation against its territory, which included launching six U.S.-manufactured ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-produced Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and at least 146 drones. Moscow asserted that this aggressive action would provoke a response and made it clear that the Ukrainian government, backed by Western allies, would face consequences.

This attack followed Ukraine's previous use of the ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles last year, which resulted in Russia launching a new hypersonic missile called “Oreshnik” at Ukraine in November. Russia's defense ministry claimed to have intercepted all Western missiles aimed at its Bryansk region and reported that two additional Storm Shadows were shot down over the Black Sea, emphasizing its preparedness against further Ukrainian assaults.

In a statement reflecting heightened tensions, President Vladimir Putin warned in November that the situation in Ukraine could escalate into a broader global conflict, especially after Ukraine was permitted to strike deeper into Russian territory with U.S. and British weaponry. The war, which began with Russia's invasion in 2022, has led to significant casualties, mass displacements, and a severe deterioration in relations between Russia and Western nations, reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

The recent drone attack on Russian soil is characterized as one of the largest to date. Roman Busargin, the governor of the Saratov region, confirmed that cities within his jurisdiction had been targeted during a substantial drone assault, leading to damage at two industrial facilities and prompting schools to shift to online learning.

Additionally, Ukraine had also targeted the region the previous week, claiming to have hit an oil depot that serviced Russia's nuclear-capable bomber pilots, resulting in a fire that lasted for five days. The drone strike specifically targeted a munitions storage facility at Engels airbase, which was said to contain guided ordinance, leading to multiple significant fires, including one at the Aleksinsky chemical plant and another at the Saratovsky oil refinery.

On the back of these attacks, Russian aviation authorities imposed flight restrictions at several airports including those in Kazan and Saratov, as reported by Russia's aviation watchdog. The unfolding operations showcased a coordinated effort by Ukraine's Security Service and defense forces to disrupt Russian military capabilities.