On the 1,000th day of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine launched U.S-made ATACMS missiles at a Russian military facility in the Bryansk region. This attack took place just after President Biden approved the use of these longer-range missiles for Ukraine.
According to Reuters, for the first time, Ukraine launched a total of six ATACMS missiles aimed at a military facility located about 110 kilometers within Russian territory. While Russian authorities asserted that they managed to intercept five of these projectiles, one missile’s debris ignited a fire at the target site. No injuries or casualties were reported.
The Ukrainian defense forces confirmed that their operation was specifically intended to strike an ammunition depot, which resulted in subsequent explosions at the facility. During a news conference, President Zelensky stated, “Ukraine has long-range capabilities… And we will use all of this.”
The Kremlin reacted strongly to the recent developments, stating that Ukraine’s increased military actions only serve to intensify the conflict and raise the risk of a direct clash with NATO. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, cautioned that the actions pushed by the US government is only “adding fuel to the fire and provoking further escalation of tensions around this conflict.’
Moreover, the situation remains dire within Ukraine, as evident from the recent Russian missile strikes on civilian areas, resulting in numerous casualties in places like Sumy and Odesa. Currently, thousands of Ukrainian civilians have died, with millions displaced since the invasion began.
Experts suggest that Ukraine’s recent strike with ATACMS missiles may be a defensive strategy to secure captured territories, yet it is doubtful this will lead to a decisive shift in the war’s dynamics. The imminent return of President-elect Trump, who has criticized the extent of U.S. support for Ukraine, could also introduce uncertainty regarding future military aid and strategic plans.