ALBAWABA- In a significant escalation, Ukraine targeted the Taganrog Military Airport in Russia’s Rostov Oblast using U.S.-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The strike, reportedly part of a combined missile and drone attack, damaged an aviation plant and vehicles in the area. Videos shared on social media captured explosions in Taganrog, located on the Azov Sea coast, about 100 miles from the frontline.
Russian authorities, including the acting governor of Rostov, Yuri Slyusar, confirmed that an industrial enterprise had been hit and stated air defense systems were activated, destroying one enemy UAV.
No casualties have been reported yet, but the damage assessment is ongoing. Local reports suggest the Taganrog Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex, which is under U.S. and EU sanctions due to its involvement in Russia’s war effort, was among the targeted facilities.
This attack follows a recent policy shift by the Biden administration, allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-provided ATACMS missiles within Russian territory, a measure initially restricted to avoid escalation.
Russia has vowed to respond to this "provocation" and emphasized that such actions will not go unanswered.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its strategy of targeting critical Russian infrastructure, including oil facilities and military installations, as part of its efforts to weaken Russia’s war capabilities.
The strike underscores the intensifying nature of the conflict and growing U.S. involvement.
