Hours after Ukraine fired eight US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles on Saturday (Jan 4), Russia said that it shot down the missiles and warned that they would retaliate. 

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"These actions by the Kyiv regime, which is supported by Western curators, will be met with retaliation," the Russian defence ministry said.

Russia said that it shot down eight US-supplied ATACMS, for which Moscow warned that the use of those missiles could spark a hypersonic ballistic missile attack on central Kyiv. 

Further, the Kremlin denounced that it could cause grave escalation. 

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Also read: Russia claims Ukraine fired six US-made long range missiles after Biden admin gave nod for use

"Air defense systems downed eight ATACMS US-made missiles and 72 drones," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

US President Joe Biden authorised Ukraine to use these long-range missiles to attack inside Russia last year. 

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Also read: Russian jamming throws US-made precision weapons off target as Ukraine pleas for weaponry upgrades

Ukraine struck Russia with US-made long-range missiles for the first time in November, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin talked of a 'nuclear response'. 

The ministry said that Kyiv fired six US-made ATACMS at Russia’s Bryansk region.

Also read: Russia launches barrage of missiles on Kyiv, damaging six diplomatic missions

What is the Army Tactical Missile System?

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can hit targets at up to 300 km. 

The range of the missile makes it particularly significant for Ukraine. 

ATACMS was built by the defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin. They are fuelled by solid rocket propellant and follow a ballistic path into the atmosphere before coming back down at a high speed and high angle, which makes them difficult to intercept. 

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies)