Russia Claims Downing of 15 US-Supplied Long-Range Missiles Over Crimea
The Russian defense ministry claimed that its air defense forces shot down four US-made long-range missiles, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), over the Crimea peninsula on Saturday.
The ministry added that they had downed a total of 15 ATACMS in the past week.
Previously, Russian officials stated that Ukraine had attacked Crimea with ATACMS on Tuesday, but six were shot down.
A US official confirmed last month that the US had secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine in recent weeks.
On April 17, the US used ATACMS missiles for the first time against a Russian airfield in Crimea, with a range of up to 300km.
The Pentagon initially opposed the deployment due to concerns over US military readiness and potential escalation of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have destroyed a military train carrying Western-supplied equipment and arms to Ukraine.
A battle between Ukrainian and Russian forces occurred, but the exact location, date, and extent of damage are unknown.
Reuters could not verify the conflicting reports from both sides.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron pledged £3 billion ($3.7 billion) in annual military aid for Ukraine and stated that he had no issue with the weapons being used against Russia, which drew criticism from Moscow.