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Major Escalation with U.S. Support “Ukraine long range missiles”
It is considerable that Ukraine has used the American-supplied ATACMS to launch a missile at a Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk for the first time within the Russian territory. The attack occurred on the day that marked the 1,000 days since the start of the war which prove that the battle escalated significantly.
Key Details of the Attack
- Timing: Ukraine launched the strike early Tuesday morning at 3:25 a.m. local time.
- Target: A weapons depot in Bryansk, Russia.
- Result: Russian officials reported intercepting five of the missiles, with one causing minor damage and starting a fire. There were no casualties reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky neither confirmed nor denied the attack but emphasized that Ukraine now possesses a variety of long-range capabilities, including ATACMS and domestically developed Neptune cruise missiles. “Missiles will speak for themselves,” Zelensky said.
U.S. Decision and Reactions
It is considerable that Ukraine has used the American-supplied ATACMS to launch a missile at a Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk for the first time within the Russian territory. The attack occurred on the day that marked the 1,000 days since the start of the war which prove that the battle escalated significantly.
Russian Response
- Russian President Vladimir Putin revised the country’s nuclear doctrine in response, lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use against “joint attacks” involving a nuclear state and its allies.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov labeled the missile strikes a “new phase of war” by the West.
NATO and Allied Positions
While the United States allowed the use of ATACMS missiles only within Russian territory, other NATO members have been more cautious. Scholz at the G20 Brazil summit reiterates he has no issue with providing short-range missiles but is against supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles.
Implications for the Conflict
This strike marks a turning point in the war, demonstrating Ukraine’s growing ability to target critical infrastructure within Russia’s borders. The attack aligns with Zelensky’s longstanding call for enhanced long-range capabilities, which he views as essential for Ukraine’s “Victory Plan.”
Broader Geopolitical Context
- Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities, aiming to cripple infrastructure ahead of the winter.
- Thousands of North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed to support Russian efforts in the Kursk region, escalating the international dimensions of the conflict.
Nuclear Concerns
Despite Putin’s rhetoric, U.S. officials downplayed the likelihood of nuclear weapon deployment. The Pentagon described such statements as part of a familiar pattern of threats, intended to deter Western support for Ukraine.
UkraineWar, #ATACMS, and #RussiaConflict
