Russia claims ‘first interceptions’ of ATACMS missiles, Ukraine responds
Russia has allegedly intercepted two U.S.-made ATACMS missiles for the first time, according to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense on Oct. 25.
The Ukrainian Air Force did not confirm or deny this particular interception, but stated that strong evidence would be required for such an event.
Later, Russian forces published photos showing fragments of the separating stages of these ballistic missiles. According to their claims, these fragments were locate near the occupied village of Bilorichensky in Luhansk Oblast.
“Evidence is necessary," said Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat on national television on Oct. 26.
"If they photographed an engine from ATACMS that was found after impact, it doesn’t necessarily mean they shot it down. But ballistic missiles can be intercepted. We see that the Patriot system works."
The Ukrainian Armed Forces successfully struck Russian-controlled airfields in the occupied cities of Berdyansk and Luhansk on the night of Oct. 17. Special operations forces later reported the destruction of nine helicopters and special equipment. Military facilities and ammunition depots were also hit.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had carried out successful strikes, marking the first use o ATACMS missiles with cluster payloads.
Kyiv reportedly received “less than a dozen” of these missiles. However, government officials insist that Ukraine would receive ATACMS missiles from the United States “on a regular basis.”
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