Russia has promised retaliation after claiming to have shot down eight US-made ATACMS missiles and 72 drones launched by Ukraine. Moscow views the use of these long-range missiles, approved by outgoing US President Joe Biden, as a significant escalation.

Russia’s defense systems have successfully intercepted and destroyed eight US-made ATACMS missiles launched by Ukraine targeting the Belgorod region. In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the S-400 and Pantsir-SM systems repelled the attack,

Russia’s defense ministry vowed unspecified “retaliatory measures” after Ukraine launched US-supplied ATACMS missiles at the border region of Belgorod region on Friday.

Meanwhile, authorities had to temporarily suspend operations at the airport in St Petersburg. Take off and landing at Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg were suspended for a few hours, amid reports of Ukrainian drones in the vicinity.

The Kremlin on Saturday vowed "retaliation" for what it said was Ukraine's use of American-made Army Tactical Missile Systems against targets in a Russian border region.

The New York Times, citing American officials, has reported that Ukraine is reducing its use of long-range ATACMS missiles, primarily due to dwindling stockpiles. Kyiv reportedly has fewer than 50 of the missiles provided by the US.

Russia defence ministry says air defences downed eight ATACMS missiles in total, without saying when or where.

Ukraine reportedly used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russia’s Belgorod region, escalating tensions to new heights. Russia claims all eight missiles were intercepted by advanced air defense systems.