Russia claims that Ukraine has launched U.S.-supplied long-range missiles into its territory, After Washington recently gave its approval for such strikes.
Ukraine launched an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) strike on Russia’s Bryansk region this morning, Moscow’s Ministry of Defense said.
According to the statement, Five missiles were intercepted and one was damaged, with its fragments reportedly causing a fire at a military facility in the Bryansk region.
The strike marks the first use of long-range missiles on Russia’s internationally recognized territory after Washington indicated that Ukraine to carry out such actions. In response, Russia has vowed to “react accordingly.”
Ukraine has been using ATACMS in Russian-occupied areas of its territory for over a year.
The missiles have a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) and are considered difficult to intercept.
Kyiv can now target deeper into Russian territory with the missiles, including areas around the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces control over 1,000 square kilometers. Ukrainian and US officials are reportedly anticipating a counter-offensive in the region.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that the strike occurred at 03:25 local time (00:25 GMT). The fire caused by debris from one of the missiles was swiftly extinguished, and no casualties were reported.
Ukraine’s military confirmed it had hit an ammunition depot in Russia’s Bryansk region, but did not specify if ATACMS missiles were involved in the attack.
The military stated that the strike, targeting a depot located about 100 km from the border near the town of Karachev, triggered 12 secondary explosions.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin approved revisions to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, outlining new conditions under which the country might consider deploying its nuclear arsenal.
The updated doctrine states that an attack from a non-nuclear state, if supported by a nuclear power, will be regarded as a joint assault on Russia.
