Russia has accused Ukraine of launching U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles at the Belgorod region, marking another escalation in the nearly three-year conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on January 3, 2025, "an attempt was made from Ukrainian territory to launch a missile strike against the Belgorod region using US-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles." They claim all missiles were intercepted, but warned of retaliation. This escalation follows the outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's authorization for Ukraine to receive these long-range weapons last year, which Moscow has denounced as increasing hostilities.
ATACMS missiles, which have a maximum range of 300 kilometers (190 miles), have been at the center of tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin reacted angrily to Ukraine's use of such missiles, promising to respond forcefully, with threats of using hypersonic ballistic missiles on central Kyiv. The dynamic of this conflict is highly charged, with both sides accusing each other of deadly attacks on civilians.
On the evening of January 3, the conflict saw significant developments as Russian officials indicated they shot down eight ATACMS along with 72 drones. The situation escalated dramatically when news broke of civilian casualties: Russian shells struck Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region, resulting in the death of a 74-year-old man and injuries to several others, including a two-year-old girl.
The conflict's toll extends beyond the battlefield. There was also the death of Alexander Martemyanov, a journalist for Russia's Izvestia newspaper. He was killed by a drone strike on January 4, 2025, as he was covering the war. This incident highlights the dangers media personnel face amid the crossfire. Alongside him, four other journalists were wounded, underlining the increasing risks for those reporting on the war.
Both sides have ramped up their military activities. Russia claimed to have taken control of village Nadiya, one of the few remaining settlements held by Kyiv, as they pressed forward with their military operations. Since the beginning of 2024, Moscow has advanced nearly 4,000 square kilometers of territory, according to analysis, showcasing the shifting tides of war.
This military buildup and series of drone strikes have also intensified the geopolitical stakes. International reactions remain mixed, particularly as the U.S. administration's stance under President Biden faces scrutiny. President-elect Donald Trump, expressing his opposition to the provision of arms to Ukraine, voiced concerns, stating, "I was very vehemently opposed to Ukraine using the arms, which I said were 'escalation.'" Such high-profile opinions reflect the complex web of international interests intertwined with this conflict.
Public sentiment is also starting to play a role. Pro-Ukraine protests erupted outside the Slovak government as demonstrators voiced their discontent with Prime Minister Robert Fico's stance, threatening to pull the country closer to Russian influence. Protestors, under the slogan "Slovakia is Europe! We've had enough of Russia!", gathered to demand action and support for Ukraine, showing the fervent hope from nations adjacent to the conflict.
The situation remains chaotic as both sides continue to prepare for potential retaliatory actions. Moscow is poised to put its rhetoric to action, urging for decisive changes against Ukraine's aggression. With each day bringing new headlines of attacks and counterattacks, the civilians across both countries endure the brunt of this tumultuous clash. The prospect for peace continues to dim as military, political, and social tensions heighten, drawing closer to dangerous escalations where the stakes have never been higher.