Ukrainian President Threatens Retaliation Against Russia Following U.S. Long-Range Missile Launch

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stern warning to Russia after the United States confirmed the delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine. The move, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the ongoing war with Russia, has escalated tensions, with Zelensky indicating potential countermeasures against Russian targets.
The U.S. military confirmed on Tuesday that it has delivered long-range ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) to Ukraine as part of its ongoing military assistance. The missiles, capable of striking targets up to 190 miles away, are expected to significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to target Russian artillery, command centers, and supply depots deep within occupied territories.
In response to the move, President Zelensky said, “Russia’s aggression will not go unanswered. With this new capability, we will strike where it hurts the most.” Zelensky’s comments were directed at Russian military installations and infrastructure within the illegally annexed territories of Crimea and the Donbas region, where fighting has been particularly intense.
The announcement comes amid ongoing Ukrainian advances on the front lines, with Ukrainian forces reportedly pushing back Russian troops from key positions in the eastern and southern regions of the country. The missile systems are expected to improve Ukraine’s precision strikes and further degrade Russia’s logistical and military operations in occupied areas.
Russia has condemned the U.S. decision, calling it a “provocative escalation” and warning that such deliveries will only intensify the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the missile systems could lead to “unpredictable consequences” and that Russia would respond accordingly to any attacks on its territory or forces. Moscow has previously threatened to take decisive military action in response to increased Western arms supplies to Ukraine.
Western allies, including NATO officials, have defended the U.S. move, asserting that it is part of the broader strategy to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated that Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russian aggression. However, some European leaders have expressed concern that the missile systems could escalate the war into a more dangerous phase, particularly if strikes are made against Russian soil.
Conclusion: The delivery of long-range missiles marks a new chapter in the U.S.-Ukraine defense partnership, signaling stronger support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. As President Zelensky has made clear, Ukraine will use this new weaponry to target critical Russian positions, raising the stakes in a war that has already claimed thousands of lives. The international community is now watching closely, as any escalation could lead to further destabilization in the region.