The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine launched ATACMS ballistic missiles into the border province of Bryansk for the first time, following reports that Washington had lifted restrictions on long-range weapons for Kyiv.

"Ukrainian forces fired six ATACMS ballistic missiles targeting an installation in Bryansk province overnight," the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on November 19. "Air defense systems S-400 and Pantsir intercepted five of the missiles, partially damaging a sixth."

The ministry stated that debris from the sixth missile fell into the technical area of a military facility in Bryansk province, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. No casualties or significant damage were reported. Russian officials have not disclosed the specific location of the attack.

Earlier, Ukraine claimed to have attacked a Russian weapons depot in the town of Karachev in Bryansk province, about 110 kilometers from the border, and reported 12 secondary explosions following the strike. Ukrainian media stated that the strike was carried out using ATACMS ballistic missiles. The attack came shortly after international reports on November 17 suggested that the administration of President Joe Biden had authorized Ukraine to use US-provided weaponry to target deep within Russian territory. Reuters reported that Ukraine would soon conduct attacks using ATACMS ballistic missiles.

While Washington has not confirmed this information, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga commented that this development could change the dynamics on the battlefield.

Ukraine has often relied on domestically produced drones to carry out deep strikes within Russian territory. The country has also developed and tested several missile systems but has consistently called on the United States to allow the use of supplied weaponry to target Russian logistics hubs and launch sites for missiles and drones within Russian borders.

For months, the US had resisted permitting Ukraine to use ATACMS for strikes on Russian territory, fearing it would be seen by the Kremlin as a significant escalation. In September, President Vladimir Putin warned that the West would be drawn into direct conflict with Russia if Ukraine were allowed to use supplied weapons against Russian territory. Developed by the United States in the 1980s and fielded in 1991, ATACMS missiles can be launched from HIMARS rocket systems or M270 MLRS platforms.

Ukraine received its first batch of ATACMS missiles in October 2023, consisting of 20 short-range cluster munitions with a range of 165 kilometers. In March, the US delivered a batch of ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. Ukrainian forces have used ATACMS missiles to strike Russian bases and air defense sites in Crimea, as well as areas under Russian control.

(According to RIA Novosti, Reuters)

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