In a significant escalation of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukrainian forces have reportedly utilized US-provided High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to launch strikes against Russian air defense installations in the Belgorod region. These actions come after the United States lifted restrictions, allowing Ukraine to conduct limited strikes on Russian territory. The attacks are said to have destroyed an Iskander-2 missile system and other military equipment, marking the first use of American weapons for such operations since Washington’s authorization . The Ukrainian government has confirmed cross-border attacks and hitting military targets within Russia, although details have not been disclosed. Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov reported substantial Ukrainian troop losses and intensified attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure, suggesting a strategic shift by Kiev ahead of the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland. The Russian military has also claimed successful countermeasures, intercepting over 1,000 UAVs and various rockets, and thwarting an attack on the Crimean Bridge. Additionally, Russian forces disrupted Ukrainian military rotations in the Zaporizhzhia region, causing losses for Ukrainian forces near Severodonetsk. The US administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use American weapons for targeted strikes has been met with warnings from Russia, cautioning that further escalations could draw NATO into the conflict. US officials, including John Kirby, have emphasized that the permission for Ukraine to conduct strikes is limited and specific to defending against potential Russian attacks near the Kharkiv region. Despite the heightened tensions, Ukraine has assured the US of its understanding regarding the territorial restrictions on strikes. The Ukrainian military continues to engage in fierce combat with Russian forces, reporting 124 combat clashes on June 3 and successfully repelling numerous attacks. As the international community anticipates the peace talks, the conflict remains volatile, with both sides sustaining losses and adjusting their military strategies.
Key points
- Ukrainian forces used US-provided HIMARS to attack Russian S-300 and S-400 missile systems in the Belgorod region.
- The US has lifted restrictions on Ukraine for limited strikes on Russian territory, with potential for expanding the geography of strikes.
- Russia claims to have intercepted Ukrainian drones and missiles, thwarting an attack on the Crimean Bridge.
- Ukraine continues to repel Russian attacks across multiple fronts, maintaining control of the situation despite the intense battles.
