Russia convinced ATACMS attack organized by NATO: Envoy to Al Mayadeen
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Russia's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency blames NATO for Ukraine's ATACMS missile strikes on Russia, vowing that there would be consequences.
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In this photo taken from a video distributed by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired from the Plesetsk launchpad in northwestern Russia (AP)
Russian Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mikhail Ulyanov, accused NATO of orchestrating missile attacks on Russia, asserting that Ukraine lacks the technological capacity to carry out such operations independently.
In an interview with Al Mayadeen in Vienna, Ulyanov pointed out that Ukrainians do not have satellites and cannot operate this type of missile, adding that "Russia is convinced that these attacks with long-range missiles are organized by NATO countries."
Ulyanov emphasized that Russia's response would be decisive, warning that those orchestrating the attacks "will certainly pay the price."
Regarding the US decision to approve the use of ATACMS missile systems by Ukraine, Ulyanov described it as "extremely dangerous," adding, "Those in the White House who made this decision are fully aware of the severe consequences that could result."
Ukraine launched six US-made ATACMS missiles Tuesday targeting Russia's Bryansk region, according to Russia's Defense Ministry. The strike comes shortly after US President Joe Biden relaxed restrictions on Ukraine's use of American weapons, marking a significant shift as the war reaches its 1,000-day milestone.
Russia's Defense Ministry responded by announcing that its forces intercepted five of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles and partially damaged another. The debris reportedly landed on a nearby military facility, causing a fire but no injuries or structural damage.
Turning to France and Britain, Ulyanov questioned their governments' intentions, asking, "Do they really believe their citizens want to engage in a military, nuclear, or large-scale conflict?" He answered, "Of course not, as it is not in the public's interest in either country."
However, he warned that if France and Britain assist Ukraine in deploying high-precision missiles against Russia, they too "will undoubtedly pay the price."
Ukraine in trouble
As Russia intensifies its offensive in Kursk, US officials are increasingly concerned about Ukraine’s strained military, and Biden's policy shift may be motivated by fears that Trump will end US support for Ukraine.
Trump criticized Zelensky's relationship with the Biden administration, labeling him "the greatest salesman in history" for securing billions in aid from Biden's administration.
The US has been Ukraine's largest donor since the outbreak of the war in 2022, with Congress allocating tens of billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid. Moscow has consistently condemned this support, arguing that it prolongs the conflict and will not alter the outcome.
While this decision enhances Ukraine's military capabilities, analysts suggest it is unlikely to be a game-changer due to the limited supply of ATACMS and their relatively short range compared to Russia’s vast geographical expanse.
The missiles, with a maximum range of 300 kilometers (190 miles), are expected to target high-value Russian military sites. Reports indicate that Russian airfields within range of these missiles have already relocated attack aircraft further inside Russian territory.
