Ukraine has launched its first American-supplied long-range missile strike against Russia.
The attack targeted a military facility in Russia’s Bryansk region, some 130 kilometres from the Ukrainian border, Ukrainian media outlets have claimed.
Footage shared online revealed a substantial explosion followed by a large smoke cloud, with observers noting what appeared to be a missile trail.
Whilst Kyiv has not officially confirmed the strike, a defence source told Ukrainian outlet RBC Ukraine that “Atacms was used for the first time to strike the territory of the Russian Federation.”
The military facility was reportedly used to store North Korean shells, although this detail remains unconfirmed by official sources.
If verified, the strike would appear to contradict American media reports suggesting President Joe Biden had only approved such attacks in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces maintain a presence.
A Ukrainian missile being launched with pictures of Zelensky, Biden and Putin
GETTY
The successful destruction of the target was confirmed by the Ukrainian defence source, speaking to RBC Ukraine.
The bold move represents the deepest strike into Russian territory using American-supplied weaponry since the conflict began.
The strike follows Biden’s recent approval for Ukraine to use American long-range missiles within Russian territory.
This landmark decision paves the way for Britain to follow suit with its own Storm Shadow missiles, demonstrating the continued Anglo-American solidarity in supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts.
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Vladimir Putin continues to face global backlash to his war in UkraineREUTERSThe British contribution would mark another crucial step in providing Ukraine with advanced Western weaponry.
The coordinated approach between Washington and London underscores the Western allies’ commitment to maintaining pressure on Moscow, whilst carefully managing the conflict’s escalation.
In response to these developments, President Vladimir Putin has taken a dramatic step by signing new legislation.
Russia continues with its invasion of Ukraine
REUTERS
The law, enacted following Biden’s decision, permits Russia to launch nuclear strikes in retaliation to attacks with long-range missiles.
This legislative move significantly raises the stakes in the ongoing conflict, establishing a clear framework for Russia’s potential nuclear response.
The timing of Putin’s decision, directly following the US president’s approval of long-range missile strikes, signals Moscow’s determination to establish clear red lines.
This latest development marks another concerning escalation in the conflict’s increasingly complex strategic landscape.