Russian Air Defenses Shoot Down Six ATACMS Missiles

Russian air defense systems claim to have intercepted six U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles and two French-made Hammer guided bombs within the last 24 hours.

This is according to a report from the Ministry of Defense on the ongoing military operation.

President Vladimir Putin previously criticized the United States for supplying ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, suggesting they were exacerbating the conflict.

On Tuesday, Ukraine launched its first-ever barrage of ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers, targeting Russian military sites in Crimea. These strikes, originating from the Kherson region, aimed at the airfield in Dzhankoy and air defense system crews in two waves, utilizing up to 15 missiles.

The strategic strikes were part of Ukraine's efforts to weaken Russian defenses in anticipation of a larger offensive expected around May 9. Ukraine has sought longer-range ATACMS missiles to conduct deeper strikes into Russian-held areas, including Crimea. Over 100 of these missiles have reportedly been delivered to Ukraine, with the possibility of more depending on the availability of expired U.S. missile stocks.