Russian armed forces have carried out missile strikes on Ukrainian positions in the ongoing special operation zone in Ukraine, resulting in the destruction of two High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) units. The recent attack highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the Kiev regime had planned to launch attacks on Donetsk during the New Year holidays using salvo fire systems. The Russian military’s preemptive strike aimed to neutralize this threat.
The M142 HIMARS, an American-made wheeled chassis rocket artillery system, has been a key component of Ukraine’s defense arsenal. Since the autumn of 2022, over 20 units of this rocket system have been supplied to Ukraine.
Furthermore, the Russian air defense systems have been highly effective in countering Ukrainian aerial threats. On December 30, it was reported that they had successfully shot down 35 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, three anti-radiation missiles (HARM), and 15 projectiles launched from the HIMARS and “Olha” rocket artillery systems.
The shortage of ammunition for HIMARS poses a significant challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Vitaliy Barabash, the head of the military administration appointed by Kiev in Avdiivka, expressed concern over the insufficient supply of ammunition.
This latest incident adds to the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict has already claimed numerous lives and shows no signs of abating. The international community must take immediate action to address the situation and prevent further escalation.
