KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine launched six American-supplied longer-range missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region, marking what would be the first use of these weapons inside Russia in the 1,000 days of conflict, according to Moscow. The strikes, reported on Tuesday, involved the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which the U.S. has provided to Kyiv.
The move comes at a tense moment in the ongoing war, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally lowered the threshold for deploying nuclear weapons. This change could potentially open the door for a nuclear response from Moscow, even to a conventional attack by any nation backed by a nuclear power. Such a scenario might include Ukrainian military actions backed by the United States.
A Telegram channel linked to the Ukrainian military released a video on Tuesday, purportedly showing the launch of ATACMS missiles from an undisclosed location in Ukraine. However, The Associated Press reported that it could not independently verify the video’s date or location.
The incident signals a significant escalation in the conflict, with both sides intensifying their tactics as the war nears its three-year mark. Western military aid to Ukraine has steadily increased, despite warnings from Moscow that such support could heighten risks of a broader conflict.
The ATACMS, known for its precision and extended range, is a significant addition to Ukraine’s arsenal. Its reported use on Russian territory suggests a shift in Ukraine’s strategy, aiming to hit deeper targets beyond the front lines of the war.
