In a significant escalation marking the 1,000th day of the war, Ukraine launched its first strike into Russian territory using US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). The attack targeted a weapons depot in Russia’s Bryansk region early Tuesday morning, just days after the Biden administration approved Ukraine’s use of the long-range missiles for strikes within Russian borders.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine fired six ATACMS ballistic missiles at the facility. Five were reportedly intercepted by Russian air defenses, while fragments from a damaged missile caused a fire at the site. Russian authorities confirmed there were no casualties or significant damage.
A Turning Point in the Conflict
This marks the first time Ukraine has employed US-made long-range missiles to hit targets deep inside Russia. The move demonstrates how swiftly Kyiv is leveraging its new capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not explicitly confirm the attack but noted during a news conference, “Ukraine has long-range capabilities… and we will use all of this.”
The strike reflects a critical shift in US policy. On Sunday, President Joe Biden ended a months-long restriction on using American weapons inside Russia, citing the evolving needs of Ukraine’s defense strategy. The decision underscores the increasing stakes in the conflict, as Russia continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine and ramps up missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Moscow’s Response
Russia reacted to the missile strike with a sharp escalation in rhetoric. On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine, broadening the scenarios in which nuclear weapons might be used. The new policy allows for nuclear retaliation against any non-nuclear aggression perceived to involve a nuclear-capable ally, a direct reference to Ukraine and its Western supporters.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the use of ATACMS as a “provocative escalation” and reiterated Russia’s position that external support for Ukraine cannot alter the war’s outcome.
read more: Putin Responds to U.S. Missile Approval with Nuclear Doctrine Overhaul
North Korean Involvement
The conflict has drawn in additional global players. Thousands of North Korean troops were reportedly deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, raising concerns in the West. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller called the involvement of North Korean forces “a major escalation,” adding that it signifies Russia’s increasing reliance on external support to sustain its war effort.
The Long-Range Equation
The Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS was months in the making, with internal debates about the risks of escalating the war and the depletion of US missile stockpiles. While Kyiv had already used domestically produced long-range drones to strike deeper into Russian territory, the introduction of Western-made long-range weapons represents a major shift in its military strategy.
For Zelensky, securing long-range weapons has been a central pillar of his “Victory Plan.” Speaking on Sunday evening, he stressed the importance of action over announcements. “Strikes are not carried out with words. Missiles will speak for themselves,” he said.
Escalating Risks
The use of ATACMS by Ukraine highlights the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine’s defense and preventing further escalation. Moscow has repeatedly warned that the use of Western long-range weapons against Russian territory could provoke a severe response, including potential nuclear action.
As the conflict grinds on into its third winter, the stakes are higher than ever. With mounting casualties, intensifying rhetoric, and the introduction of increasingly advanced weaponry, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to reshape global security dynamics.
Discover more from RVCJ News Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
