Kyiv: Ukraine strikes Russia using long range missiles. Ukraine’s defense forces have reportedly conducted their first attack using Western-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles on Russian border regions.

This significant strike comes on the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following approval from U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration for Kyiv to use the weapons in a limited capacity to target locations within Russian territory.

According to Ukrainian media, the attack targeted a Russian military facility near Karachev, in the Bryansk region, about 130 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian military officials confirmed the successful operation, with reports stating that the attack occurred on November 19 at the 67th Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of Russia’s Ministry of Defense.

While Ukraine has previously relied on homemade drones to launch strikes deep into Russian territory, the introduction of U.S.-supplied weapons adds a more destructive capability to its arsenal.

Russia’s Response

Russia has acknowledged the use of ATACMS missiles and described the incident as a “new phase of the Western war” against Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned of escalating tensions, stating that Russia would respond appropriately to such actions.

Lavrov also referred to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin that lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, indicating a shift in Russia’s strategic stance.

The updated doctrine allows Russia to use nuclear weapons in response to significant conventional attacks on its territory, including those carried out with the support of nuclear-armed states.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that any attack by Ukraine using Western missiles would be considered an act of aggression supported by nuclear powers, potentially justifying a more severe response.

Key Points to Note

• Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted five out of six missiles fired, with fragments of the damaged missile causing a fire at a military site.
• No casualties or significant damage were reported.
• Russia has warned the U.S. and European nations against supporting deep strikes into its territory, cautioning that it could lead to direct conflict.

This incident highlights the growing tensions between Russia and the West, raising concerns about the broader implications for global stability and peace.