Ukraine Launches First Strikes on Russian Soil with US Weapons

Strikes

Ukraine Strikes Russian Territory with US Weapons for the First Time

Ukraine appears to have leveraged its new permissions to Strikes Russian soil using Western weapons. This marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, as Western nations like France and Germany recently authorized such actions.

On May 26 and 27, France and Germany announced their decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian soil with their weapons. This came after Russia launched a new offensive against Kharkiv on May 10. Following this, on May 30, US sources confirmed that the US had permitted Ukraine to use its weapons for counter-fire purposes in Kharkiv.

Initially, the US restriction allowed Ukraine to retaliate against positions from which they had received incoming fire but not to target Russian positions pre-emptively based on intelligence. This led the Institute for the Study of War to comment on the missed opportunity to deter Russian offensive preparations.

First Strike Misunderstanding

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported troop concentrations north of Sumy. Following this, Ukraine’s first reported strike on Russian soil using Western weapons was announced last Friday, targeting the Kerch ferry crossing with ATACMS missiles. The Kerch ferry crossing, crucial for military logistics, is located on the Russian side of the Kerch Strait, far from Kharkiv.

Ukraine claimed significant damage to two ferries, disrupting military logistics. However, this strike may have been based on a misunderstanding of the allowed use of Western weapons. The US had not authorized the use of its 300km-range ATACMS in Russia, only in occupied territories like Crimea.

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Shifting Alliances and Restrictions

Ukraine’s subsequent Strikes targeted a Russian S-300 or S-400 air defense complex in Belgorod using HIMARS. This attack was within the allowed area, showing Ukraine’s adherence to some restrictions.

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Denmark and the Netherlands, both set to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this summer, have stated there would be no restrictions on their use against Russian targets. Conversely, Belgium has prohibited using its F-16s and other weapons against Russia, aiming to protect its diamond trade, a significant economic interest.

Russian Response and Nuclear Threats

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the lifting of geographical restrictions with warnings of possible nuclear retaliation, citing Russia’s nuclear doctrine. US National Security spokesman John Kirby downplayed the significance, noting Ukraine’s existing capability to shoot down Russian aircraft in Russian airspace.

Ground Conflict and Drone Warfare

On the ground, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii reported sending reinforcements to Kharkiv. Despite high Russian casualties, Syrskii indicated that current forces were insufficient for a full-scale assault. Ukraine’s Military Media Centre estimated nearly 8,790 Russian casualties in the previous week, with significant equipment losses.

Drone Warfare Evolves

Ukraine has been leveraging FPV drones for battlefield advantages. Recently, a Ukrainian drone reportedly shot down two Russian drones, marking a new phase in drone warfare. Ukraine continues to target Russian assets with its domestically-built long-range drones, Strikes critical infrastructure like the Nebo radar system and oil depots in Krasnodar Krai.

In response, Russia launched a massive Strikes on Ukrainian power infrastructure, involving 47 drones and 53 missiles. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted most of these attacks, but some critical energy infrastructure suffered serious damage.

This escalation highlights the evolving nature of the conflict, with both sides adapting their strategies and leveraging new technologies and international support.

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