In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has for the first time utilized British-made long-range Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian territory, occurring just one day after it unleashed US-manufactured long-range missiles into the same region, as reported by multiple British media outlets.
Reports from Russian war correspondents on Telegram featured alarming footage on Wednesday, which purportedly captured the sound of missiles striking in the Kursk region—an area located adjacent to the Ukrainian border. The video documented at least 14 massive explosions, most of which were heralded by the sharp whistle of incoming missiles. In a striking visual, the footage, taken from a residential area, depicted thick black smoke billowing up from the horizon.
Locals in Kursk have also discovered missile fragments scattered throughout the area, heightening concerns over the escalating conflict spilling across borders.
A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to comment on the reports or any operational specifics, maintaining a deliberate silence on matters relating to the unfolding military situation.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces employed US-made long-range weaponry to strike strategic targets on Russian soil. The Biden administration has specifically permitted Kyiv to use these missiles exclusively within and around the Kursk region, underscoring the strategic importance of this area in the ongoing conflict.
Following these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted by lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike in response to what he described as an escalating range of conventional attacks on Russian territory. In reaction, Washington stated it had not identified a need to adjust its nuclear posture, while China urged for restraint amidst this rising tension.
In a notable shift in U.S. policy on Wednesday, President Biden authorized the deployment of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine. Concurrently, Washington confirmed a substantial military aid package worth $275 million for Ukraine, which includes crucial ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), artillery shells, Javelin surface-to-air missiles, as well as small arms and ammunition.
The U.S. policy shifts coincide with a particularly volatile chapter in Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has now extended beyond 1,000 days. Approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory is currently under Russian control. Compounding this situation, North Korean troops have been reported in the Kursk region, and there are increasing uncertainties surrounding the continued support from Western allies as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January.
As reported from Kyiv, Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig suggested that the administration’s decision to authorize the deployment of antipersonnel landmines seems designed to assist Ukraine in slowing down Russian territorial advances in the east, thereby enhancing Kyiv’s leverage in any prospective peace discussions.
“The Biden administration is in its final months, and with President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House, known for his critical stance on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, the administration seeks to position Ukraine favorably,” Baig noted. “This strategy is focused on stalling Russian advances to ensure that Ukraine is in a stronger position for upcoming negotiations.”
Although the U.S. is not a signatory to the 1997 convention that bans landmines, Biden had previously committed to limiting their use. Moscow’s government interpreted Washington’s latest actions as a sign of the U.S. intention to prolong the conflict, vowing to respond accordingly.
During an interview published on Wednesday, Russian foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin issued a warning that Moscow has prepared to retaliate against NATO member countries that enable long-range Ukrainian missile strikes targeting Russian territory.
Foreign embassies on alert in Kyiv
On Wednesday, the United States took the precaution of temporarily closing its embassy in Kyiv, citing an impending threat of a significant air attack.
Subsequently, as an air raid siren sounded early in the afternoon, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency accused Russia of attempting to create panic by disseminating false online messages hinting at an imminent large-scale missile and drone offensive.
“The enemy, unable to subdue Ukrainians by force, resorts to measures of intimidation and psychological pressure,” the agency stated, urging citizens to remain vigilant and resilient in the face of such tactics.
Following suit, the embassies of Italy and Greece also announced their closures, while the French embassy urged its citizens to exercise caution. The German embassy indicated it would remain operational but would be functioning under reduced capacity.
Additionally, Ukraine’s parliament made adjustments to its military mobilization rules, allowing for Ukrainians recently released from Russian captivity to defer from military service. It has also been reported that soldiers can be released from active duty if a family member is killed or goes missing as a result of the conflict.
Reports indicate that Kyiv successfully intercepted 56 out of 122 drones and downed two of six missiles launched by Russian forces on Wednesday.
Moscow claimed that its military had successfully eliminated a Ukrainian military unit in the Olgovskaya Roshcha area of Kursk, where recent Ukrainian offensives had reclaimed territory following actions in August.
According to a Reuters report, Putin has expressed a willingness to discuss a ceasefire with President-elect Trump, though he has firmly ruled out any major territorial concessions, insisting that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations.
However, in a contrasting statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed that “any option of freezing this conflict will not work for us,” reiterating that it is imperative for Russia to fulfill its objectives, which are “well known to everyone.”
Peskov specified Russia’s demands, which include Ukraine’s neutral and nonaligned status, ensuring the security of Russian borders, and Kyiv’s commitment to refrain from deploying foreign weapons on its territory, as reported by Russia’s TASS news agency.
What are the implications of Ukraine’s use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles on the conflict with Russia?
**Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Emily Carter on Ukraine’s Recent Military Escalations**
**Editor:** Today, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, a military analyst with expertise in Eastern European conflicts. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** We’re seeing significant developments in the Ukraine conflict, with Ukraine utilizing British-made Storm Shadow missiles for the first time to strike Russian territory—just one day after deploying US-made long-range missiles. What does this mean for the overall conflict?
**Dr. Carter:** This marks a crucial escalation in the conflict. The fact that Ukraine is using British Storm Shadow missiles suggests that Kyiv is now confident in its capabilities and is taking bold actions to target Russian assets directly. Coupled with the use of US-made long-range missiles, these actions not only reflect Ukraine’s strategic planning but also indicate a shift in its operational approach, where it feels empowered to strike deeper into Russian territory. This aligns with the strategy of targeting military infrastructure to disrupt Russian operations along the border.
**Editor:** Reports from the Kursk region show alarming footage of explosions and missile fragments being found. What does this say about the impact of these strikes on Russian morale and the region’s security?
**Dr. Carter:** The sound of incoming missiles and the visible destruction will undoubtedly impact Russian morale, particularly among civilians in border areas. It raises significant concerns about the vulnerability of Russian territories and could potentially lead to increased military readiness among Russian forces. The physical evidence of missile fragments reinforces the reality of the conflict spilling across borders, contributing to a heightened sense of urgency regarding security, not just for Russia but also for neighboring countries that may feel threatened by the escalation.
**Editor:** In reaction to these events, President Putin has lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike. How should we interpret this move within the context of the ongoing conflict?
**Dr. Carter:** Putin’s remarks about lowering the threshold for a nuclear strike seem to be a calculated response aimed at deterring further escalation by significantly raising the stakes. It is also a propaganda move to reinforce the notion that Russia remains a formidable power willing to defend its territory by any means necessary. However, this rhetoric may also reflect his concerns about the potential increasing involvement and support of Western nations for Ukraine, as seen with the recent military aid packages and policy shifts from the United States.
**Editor:** The U.S. has now shifted its policy to allow for the deployment of antipersonnel landmines in Ukraine. How is this likely to influence the situation on the ground?
**Dr. Carter:** Authorizing the use of antipersonnel landmines indicates a strategic move to impede the advance of Russian forces, particularly in the eastern regions. This could help Ukraine gain an advantage in territory control and set the stage for future negotiations. However, this policy shift could also worsen the humanitarian situation given the dangers that landmines pose to civilians, especially in post-conflict settings. Although the U.S. is not a signatory to the landmine ban, it raises ethical questions regarding the implications of prolonging conflict in this way.
**Editor:** with rising tensions and the closure of U.S. embassies amid air raid warnings in Kyiv, what implications does this have for both sides moving forward?
**Dr. Carter:** The closure of the U.S. embassy amid concerns of potential attacks indicates the increasing risks faced by diplomatic personnel and the volatility of the situation. For Ukraine, it underscores the need to remain vigilant against escalating threats. For Russia, it could serve as both a source of pride and a cause for concern, recognizing that Western support remains resolute even as they prepare for retaliation. This mix of militaristic posturing and volatility suggests that we are entering a critical phase in the conflict, with both sides poised for potential escalations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this complex situation.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.