Ukraine fires American ATACMS missiles at Russia for the first time

Everything indicates that the Ukrainian army fired American missiles into Russia for the first time last night. According to the Ukrainian army, a Russian military base in Karatshov in the Bryansk region, more than 100 kilometers across the border, was hit.

Ukraine, Russia and the US all report using the much-debated ATACMS, which has a range of about 300 kilometers. It was confirmed to journalists behind the scenes by officials from Kyiv and Washington.

President Zelensky was asked by the media today about the news. Zelensky did not explicitly admit that Ukraine had carried out a missile attack, but said that Ukraine would use all its long-term assets. He also made special mention of the ATACMS.

Until recently, the US only allowed its ally to deploy American missiles in an area occupied by the Russians. For example, ATACMS were already used against Russian targets in Crimea in April. After that it was clear that the US did this confidentially approved.

Last weekend, Biden reportedly decided that Ukraine could now use these missiles against targets in Russia. Several American media reported this based on officials, but no official confirmation ever came from the White House.

The Kremlin says six ATACMS were launched towards Bryansk last night around 3am. “Russian air defenses shot down five missiles and damaged the last one. Fragments of them landed on the territory of the military base in the Bryansk region, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished,” said a group state news RIA, citing authorities. There would be no death.

The Russian reading cannot be independently verified. The Ukrainian military has not yet released details of the attack. He only wanted to say that the elimination of military installations in Russia is a way to stop Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The missiles give Ukraine a tactical advantage, but experts emphasize that they are not a panacea. It is likely that Russia will retain the advantage on the eastern front, where it has advanced much faster than before.

The increased range of ATACMS expands Ukraine’s strike power. Not only does the army now have to focus on Russian troops at the front, but they can also attack logistics centers, military bases and troops deeper in the rear. In this way he can try to hinder the progress of Russia.

For a long time, President Biden did not want to authorize the use of ATACMS for use in Russia itself, as President Putin clearly stated that increase label. According to the Russian leader, the use of such weapons would be nothing less than the direct involvement of NATO countries in the battle.

Biden is said to have changed his mind because of Russia’s use of North Korean troops in the fight against Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, there would be one at the end of last month 10,000 soldiers has come to the area. This information has not yet been independently verified.