Ukraine Strikes Russia with ATACMS Missiles: A New Chapter in the Conflict

Ukraine Fires ATACMS Missiles into Russia

Ukraine has launched six ATACMS missiles into the Bryansk region of Russia, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. This marks the first use of U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems in 1,000 days of conflict between the two countries. A U.S. official also confirmed this action to NPR.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems intercepted five of the missiles, while a sixth missile caused a small fire on the ground after being damaged. There were no reported injuries from the attack.

This missile strike follows the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use advanced Western weaponry in its conflict with Russia. Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the missile launch.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that if these reports are accurate, it would escalate tensions between Russia and the United States. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine could not use advanced weapons without direct support from NATO, implying that such actions would mean NATO countries are at war with Russia.

Ukraine had requested permission for months to utilize ATACMS missiles.

On the same day, Putin signed a decree that revised Russia’s nuclear doctrine, broadening the circumstances under which Russia could carry out a nuclear strike. The new doctrine states that a conventional attack on Russia by a non-nuclear state, supported by a nuclear-armed nation, could be seen as a joint attack that might justify a nuclear response. This serves as a warning to Ukraine, the U.S., and other nations backing Ukraine in the conflict.

The discussions about Ukraine’s military actions and Russia’s updated nuclear stance arise as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in Washington. Trump has criticized the level of U.S. aid for Ukraine and has suggested that he would pursue negotiations to end the conflict with Russia.