Ukraine launched US-made ATACMS missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region on Tuesday according to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, marking a significant intensification on the 1,000th day of the conflict.
The strike occurred just two days after the Biden administration authorised Kyiv to use the longer-range American missiles against targets within Russian borders.
Kyiv has not yet responded to the report. This marks the first instance where Ukraine has employed these extended-range American missiles to hit deep inside Russia, highlighting Kyiv’s swift utilization of its newly acquired capabilities.
At 3:25 a.m. local time (7:25 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, Ukraine fired six ballistic missiles at a facility in Bryansk, the ministry said, confirming that American-made ATACMS missiles were used in the attack.
Russian air defence systems claimed to have intercepted five of the missiles, while one was damaged. Fragments from the damaged missile fell on a military site, sparking a fire that was quickly extinguished. There were no reported casualties or substantial damage.
On Sunday, US President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use the longer-range American missiles within Russia, lifting a months-long restriction intended to assist Ukraine’s defense without sharply escalating the conflict.
