- Ukraine reportedly launches six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles into Bryansk, Russia.
- Russia claims to intercept five missiles and reports minimal damage.
- This follows the U.S. lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of longer-range weapons.
Ukraine appears to have launched a significant strike using U.S.-made ATACMS missiles on Russian territory, marking a potential escalation in the conflict.
Russia’s defense ministry reported that of the six missiles fired, five were shot down by air defense systems, while a sixth was damaged and caused a small fire.
Ukraine’s Use of ATACMS Missiles Marks Escalation in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
This missile attack came shortly after the United States lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of longer-range weaponry. Previously, Ukraine had requested such capabilities to target Russian military infrastructure deep within its territory, especially as the war nears its second year. Ukrainian officials have not yet confirmed the use of ATACMS, but their General Staff did acknowledge an attack on a Russian military facility in the region.
The attack marks a significant shift in the conflict as Ukraine gains access to more advanced weaponry. The Biden administration’s decision to approve the use of ATACMS missiles comes after months of pressure from Ukrainian officials who argued that these weapons were essential for their defensive and offensive operations. Ukraine has targeted Russian military assets in occupied areas, and the use of ATACMS would allow for longer-range strikes that could disrupt Russian operations.
Moscow, however, has warned that this could escalate tensions between Russia and NATO. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested that if Ukraine is now authorized to use these sophisticated weapons, it could be seen as direct involvement by NATO countries in the war. President Putin has previously indicated that such an escalation could lead to a broader confrontation between Russia and the West.
This missile strike, if confirmed, represents a major escalation in the conflict, demonstrating the increasing role of advanced Western weaponry in Ukraine’s military strategy and further heightening tensions with Russia.
“If the media reports are true that Ukraine now has U.S. approval to use Western weapons to strike deep inside Russia, the decision amounts to a ‘new spiral of tensions’ with Washington.” — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov
