Russia has announced a response after claiming it intercepted eight missiles made in the United States, which were reportedly launched by Ukraine over the weekend. Moscow sees this use of missiles, capable of traveling up to about 186 miles, as a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict.

According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, their air defense systems successfully shot down these missiles along with 72 drones. The Ministry stated that these actions by the Ukrainian government, believed to be supported by Western allies, will lead to a strong response.

They also reported destroying several drones in the Leningrad region and one in Kursk, an area that Ukraine had previously targeted last summer. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden had given the go-ahead for Ukraine to use these missiles in November, highlighting Russia’s actions, including the involvement of North Korean troops, as a major concern.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that if Ukraine continues to use these missiles, Russia might consider deploying a new type of missile, potentially capable of carrying nuclear weapons. He hinted at testing this missile against Kyiv to see how effective the air defense systems provided by the West are.

In related news, Ukrainian drone attacks have temporarily disrupted operations at an airport in St. Petersburg. The governor of the Leningrad region reported a high number of intercepted drones in recent days. A Ukrainian security official mentioned that a key port in Leningrad was targeted, calling it vital for Russia’s economy and military strength amid ongoing isolation.

On the military front, Russia reportedly launched 81 drones at Ukraine overnight, including some made in Iran, while Ukraine managed to down 34 of these, though some still caused damage in the northern regions of Chernihiv and Sumy.

As Ukraine starts the new year, the country finds itself in a difficult situation in the conflict that began in February 2022. Reports indicate that Russian forces have made progress in eastern Ukraine, claiming control of a village in the Luhansk region. They are also putting pressure on the Ukrainian-held city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk, raising concerns about potential territory losses.

Furthermore, there are concerns in Ukraine regarding the potential impact of the next U.S. administration, led by former President Trump, on critical military support. This apprehension arises from Trump’s expressed interest in pursuing a resolution to the ongoing conflict.