Ukraine Fires British Missiles at Russia, Putin Unleashes ICBM | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Summary

The Ukraine-Russia conflict intensifies as Ukraine launches long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow and ATACMS, targeting Russian bases. In retaliation, Russia fires a mix of hypersonic missiles and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking a major escalation. The U.S. and U.K. continue to provide military support, including advanced weaponry and financial aid to Ukraine, while global powers carefully navigate the risks of direct confrontation. Both sides aim to secure territorial gains before winter, with Ukraine seeking to hold off Russian advances and maintain momentum, while also facing ongoing information warfare and propaganda from Russia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ukraine has escalated its attacks, launching long-range missiles such as the Storm Shadow and American-made ATACMS into Russian territory, though the Ukrainian government has not officially confirmed these actions.
• 😀 The Storm Shadow missile, with a range of up to 250 km, can strike deep inside Russian territory, targeting bunkers and arms depots. Russia claims to have shot down two of these missiles.
• 😀 In retaliation, Russia fired a barrage of missiles at Ukraine, including a Hypersonic missile, cruise missiles, and potentially an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which would be the first use of ICBMs in any conflict if confirmed.
• 😀 The West remains skeptical about the use of ICBMs in this situation, as the distance between the target and the missile’s launch site is relatively short, making it seem unnecessary.
• 😀 A microphone incident during a Russian press conference revealed internal conversations about not commenting on the ballistic missile strike, suggesting possible tensions or cover-ups within the Russian leadership.
• 😀 Both Ukraine and Russia are preparing for further escalation, with both sides aiming to secure territory before winter sets in, both literally (seasonally) and figuratively (militarily).
• 😀 U.S. President Joe Biden has intensified support for Ukraine, lifting the ban on firing U.S. missiles at Russia, providing landmines, and committing $275 million in military aid, including rocket systems and tank munitions.
• 😀 Biden's decision to forgive $4.7 billion in loans owed by Ukraine to the U.S. is part of a broader strategy to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
• 😀 Ukraine's use of long-range missiles like Storm Shadow and ATACMS could force Russia to allocate more resources to defending its 225 military bases within their range, potentially diverting focus from the front lines.
• 😀 The strategic use of long-range missiles is a significant boost for Ukraine, but experts caution that it may not be a game-changer due to the high cost of the missiles and limited supply, requiring careful tactical planning.

Q & A

What new weapons has Ukraine recently used in its conflict with Russia?

Ukraine has recently used Western-supplied long-range missile systems, specifically the British-made Storm Shadow and the American ATACMS, to target Russian military bases deep within Russian territory.

What is the significance of the Storm Shadow missile in Ukraine's military strategy?

The Storm Shadow missile is a long-range cruise missile with a range of up to 250 km, allowing Ukraine to strike critical Russian targets such as bunkers and arms depots far behind the front lines. It significantly enhances Ukraine's ability to target deep within Russia, though it comes with high costs and limited availability.

How has Russia responded to Ukraine's missile strikes?

Russia has retaliated with a barrage of missile strikes, including the use of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles. The use of ICBMs represents a major escalation, as these missiles are typically capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads and have an extremely long range.

What is the controversy surrounding Russia's reported use of ICBMs against Ukraine?

Russia's reported use of ICBMs is controversial because it would mark the first use of such powerful weapons in any war. There are questions about whether the ICBMs were necessary, as other Russian missile systems could have achieved similar results. The West has raised concerns about the potential for this to escalate the conflict further.

What are the potential risks of Ukraine using long-range missiles like Storm Shadow and ATACMS?

The main risk of using these long-range missiles is the potential for Moscow to retaliate against not just Ukraine but also Western nations that supplied the weapons, such as the US and the UK. This could lead to direct confrontations between Russia and Western countries, further escalating the conflict.

How has the United States supported Ukraine in the conflict with Russia?

The United States has provided significant military aid to Ukraine, including lifting restrictions on missile systems like Storm Shadow and ATACMS, sending military packages worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and even forgiving some of Ukraine's debt. These measures are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Why is the West cautious about openly acknowledging the use of Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles by Ukraine?

The West is cautious about openly acknowledging the use of these missiles because doing so could increase the risk of direct retaliation by Russia. There is also a political concern regarding the potential for these missile strikes to escalate the conflict, drawing in more nations and possibly leading to wider hostilities.

What is the strategic goal of both Ukraine and Russia as the winter season approaches?

Both Ukraine and Russia are preparing for a 'freeze' in military activity due to the winter season. Ukraine aims to hold onto key territories and delay Russian advances, particularly in the east, while Russia seeks to consolidate as much territory as possible to use as leverage in future negotiations.

How has Ukraine's president, Zelensky, responded to fears of escalation in the conflict?

Ukrainian President Zelensky has urged his people and international allies to remain resolute in the face of escalating tensions. He dismissed fears of Russian retaliatory strikes, suggesting that such panic only benefits Russia and undermines Ukrainian resolve.

What role does psychological warfare play in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia?

Psychological warfare is a key tactic used by Russia to manipulate public perception and destabilize Ukrainian morale. Russia's use of covert operations, propaganda, and shadow warfare aims to sow confusion and weaken international support for Ukraine, while Ukraine is focused on countering these efforts and maintaining strong alliances with the West.