Russia Launches Air Battle As US Agrees To Send M1 Abrams Tanks To Ukraine

KEY POINTS

Russia reportedly launched more than 30 missiles in several oblasts Thursday
Earlier, the Russian ambassador to the U.S. had warned against sending the tanks to Ukraine
Anatoly Antonov called the decision another "blatant provocation" against Moscow

Ukrainian officials said the country's air defense systems were activated Thursday as Russia launched more than 30 missiles in several oblasts.

The move comes as the United States agreed to send dozens of M1 Abrams tanks to the Ukrainian military.

Throughout Thursday morning, Russia carried out air attacks, but no casualties were reported so far.

"About six Tu-95 bombers took off and launched missiles presumably from Murmansk Oblast (Russia). We expect approximately 30 missiles that have already started appearing in various oblasts. Air defence systems are operating. Yes, there were explosions in several oblasts, including Vinnytsia. Obviously, you need to stay in shelters," Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force of Ukraine, said, according to Pravda.

Ihnat also said the Russian forces were currently focused on the central part of Ukraine, adding their target can change anytime.

"The enemy launched over 15 cruise missiles in the direction of Kyiv. Thanks to the excellent work of air defence, all air targets were shot down! However, the danger of air strikes has not passed. Stay in bomb shelters until the air-raid siren goes off," Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, said.

Meanwhile, Serhii Borzov, Head of Vinnytsia Oblast Military Administration, confirmed on Telegram that "there is an air battle."

Earlier, the Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov had warned of devastation if the U.S. sends the Abrams tanks to Ukraine, calling the move another "blatant provocation" against Moscow.

"If a decision to transfer to Kyiv M1 Abrams is made, American tanks without any doubt will be destroyed as all other samples of NATO military equipment... If the United States decides to supply tanks, it will be impossible to justify such steps using arguments about 'defensive weapons.' This would be another blatant provocation against the Russian Federation. No one should have illusions about who is the real aggressor in the current conflict," Eurasian Times quoted Antonov citing the embassy's post on Telegram.

The decision to send M1 Abrams to Ukraine comes after months of arguments by Joe Biden's administration that the tanks were too difficult for Ukrainian troops to operate.