MOSCOW: The Russian defense ministry announced on Saturday that its air defense forces intercepted four US-made long-range missiles over the Crimea peninsula. These missiles, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), were recently supplied by Washington to Ukraine.
Details on the interception were not disclosed.
Earlier last Tuesday, Russian officials reported that Ukraine had launched ATACMS missiles towards Crimea in an effort to breach Russian air defenses on the annexed peninsula. However, six of these missiles were successfully shot down.
Last month, a U.S. official in Washington revealed that the United States had covertly delivered long-range missiles to Ukraine in recent weeks.
The ATACMS missiles, boasting a range of up to 300 km (190 miles), were employed for the first time on April 17, directed at a Russian airfield in Crimea situated approximately 165 km (103 miles) from the Ukrainian front lines, according to the official.
Apprehensions arose over Ukraine using the missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. This could escalate conflict towards direct confrontation with the United States.
Initially, the Pentagon opposed the deployment of these long-range missiles, fearing that their removal from the American arsenal would undermine U.S. military preparedness.
Russia shoots down four U.S.-made long-range missiles over Crimea, showcasing its defense capabilities. Initially, tension surged as reports of missile launches surfaced. Subsequently, Russia swiftly responded, neutralizing the threat with precision.
Following the incident, diplomatic exchanges between Russia and the U.S. intensified. Russia Shoots Down scenario sparks discussions on arms control and regional security. Notably, both sides express concerns over escalating tensions in the region.
Consequently, diplomatic channels become pivotal in de-escalating the situation. Moreover, this event underscores the importance of maintaining open communication channels between nations.
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