Ukraine Strikes Russian Territory with US-Supplied Long-Range Missiles: Moscow Claims
For the first time, Ukraine has reportedly fired U.S.-supplied long-range missiles into Russian territory, according to Russian officials. The strikes come shortly after Washington approved Kyiv’s use of these advanced weapons in cross-border attacks.
U.S. sources confirmed to CBS News that Ukraine employed the Army Tactical Missile System (Atacms) in the assault. However, Kyiv has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the operation.
Details of the Attack
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that the attack occurred early Tuesday morning in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine to the north. Officials claimed their air defenses intercepted five missiles, but fragments from one reportedly struck a military facility, igniting a fire.
Contradicting Russia’s account, U.S. officials suggested that Ukraine launched around eight missiles, with only two intercepted. Independent verification of these figures has not been possible.
Moscow’s Reaction
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the U.S. of fueling the conflict, asserting that the operation required direct American involvement.
“Repeated use of Atacms against Bryansk is a clear message of escalation from Washington,” Lavrov said during a G20 press conference in Brazil. He further alleged that American military experts were behind the strikes.
Lavrov warned that Russia would consider such actions as an extension of the West’s war against Moscow and would respond accordingly.
Nuclear Doctrine Adjusted
Adding to the tension, President Vladimir Putin approved amendments to Russia’s nuclear policy on Tuesday. The revised doctrine states that any attack from a non-nuclear nation, if supported by a nuclear power, will be treated as a joint assault on Russia, potentially justifying a nuclear response.
Western leaders swiftly condemned the move. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized Russia’s “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine, dismissing Moscow’s threats.
The Reach of Atacms
The Atacms missile system, which Ukraine has already deployed in its own Russian-occupied territories, boasts a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) and is known for being difficult to intercept. With these missiles, Kyiv can now target deeper within Russian territory, including the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces reportedly control over 1,000 square kilometers.
Although Russia claims minimal damage from the latest strikes, Ukraine’s military suggested otherwise. It confirmed hitting an ammunition depot in Bryansk, near the town of Karachev, about 100 kilometers from the border. Ukrainian officials reported significant secondary explosions at the site, indicating the destruction of stored munitions.
Escalating Tensions
As the conflict enters a new phase, the use of Atacms marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s military capabilities. The move not only underscores Kyiv’s growing reliance on Western support but also signals the intensifying stakes in the ongoing war.
With no resolution in sight, both sides appear poised for further escalation, leaving the international community bracing for the conflict’s next developments.
