For the first time, Ukraine has deployed U.S.-provided long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets inside Russia, escalating the conflict amid rising tensions.
The attack targeted Russia’s Bryansk region near the northern Ukrainian border early Tuesday. According to Russia’s defense ministry, five missiles were intercepted, while fragments from a damaged missile caused a fire at a military facility.
U.S. officials confirmed the use of ATACMS to CBS News, signifying a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian aggression.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of deliberately intensifying the conflict. Speaking at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Lavrov alleged that American military experts were likely involved in operating the advanced missile systems.
“This is a clear sign of Washington’s intent to escalate,” Lavrov said. “We consider this a renewed phase of the Western war against Russia, and we will respond accordingly.”
The strikes come just a day after Washington authorized Kyiv to use the high-tech missiles on Russian territory.
The development coincided with Moscow’s announcement of updates to its nuclear doctrine. The new policy states that any attack by a non-nuclear country, if supported by a nuclear power, will be treated as a joint assault on Russia and could justify a nuclear response.
The missile strikes and nuclear doctrine changes underscore the growing intensity of the conflict, with both sides signaling readiness for further escalation.