In a significant escalation, Ukraine launched six U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) at Russia’s Bryansk region, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday. This comes just days after U.S. President Joe Biden eased restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American-made weaponry, enabling deeper strikes into Russian territory.
Here is what you need to know
The marked spot is Karachev, Bryansk, which is around 100kms from Russia-Ukraine border. | Image: Google Maps
Ukraine claimed it struck a military weapons depot in the Bryansk region during a nighttime operation but did not confirm the specific weapons used. The Ukrainian General Staff reported multiple explosions in the targeted area, suggesting significant damage.
Russia’s Defense Ministry countered the claim, stating that its military intercepted and destroyed five of the six missiles, while partially damaging the sixth. According to the ministry, debris from the intercepted missiles fell on a military facility, sparking a fire but causing no casualties or significant damage.
Neither side’s accounts have been independently verified.
U.S. Policy Shift on Missile Use
The missile attack marks one of the first known instances of Ukraine utilizing U.S.-supplied ATACMS to strike within Russian borders, following Biden’s decision to relax prior limitations on their use. This policy change comes amidst reports of Russia integrating thousands of North Korean troops into its forces.
The ATACMS are highly accurate, long-range tactical missiles designed to hit strategic targets deep within enemy territory. Their deployment represents a notable shift in the conflict, intensifying debates over the risks of further escalation.
Putin’s Nuclear Doctrine Update
In a parallel move that underscores the conflict’s growing volatility, Russian President Vladimir Putin updated his country’s nuclear doctrine on Tuesday. The new policy lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons, explicitly stating that Moscow could launch a nuclear strike in response to an attack on its territory by a non-nuclear nation if that nation is supported by a nuclear-armed ally.
This development comes amid heightened tensions following the U.S. decision to expand Ukraine’s capabilities and suggests Moscow views it as an escalatory measure.
The missile strikes and Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine signal a dangerous turn in the ongoing war, with both sides ramping up measures that could lead to further destabilization.
Ukraine’s use of American missiles inside Russian territory raises questions about how far the U.S. and NATO allies are willing to go in their support of Kyiv. At the same time, Russia’s expanded nuclear policy adds another layer of tension, with global leaders watching closely for signs of further escalation.
As the war enters its 1,001st day, the stakes continue to rise, leaving the world bracing for what could come next in this deeply entrenched and increasingly volatile conflict.
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