Ukraine Launches ATACMS Strikes Against Russia After Delays
UPDATE: Ukraine has officially launched strikes against Russian territory using US-made ATACMS missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This development comes after months of delays and uncertainty regarding US policy on the use of these long-range missiles.
In a statement released earlier today, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed it executed a precision strike on Russian soil with the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of approximately 190 miles. This marks the first public acknowledgment of such an attack since the start of the second Trump administration.
The Ukrainian military did not disclose specific details of the strike but emphasized that the use of long-range strike capabilities would continue. “The use of long-range strike capabilities, including systems such as ATACMS, will continue,” the General Staff stated on October 3, 2023.
Reports indicate that several Russian Telegram channels have shared footage showing air defense systems activated over the Voronezh region, though these claims have not been independently verified. This announcement follows a long period of US hesitance to allow Ukraine to conduct strikes on Russian territory, which was initially lifted by President Joe Biden in November 2024. The lifting of restrictions led to earlier strikes on the Bryansk region, a move that had been met with caution due to fears of escalating tensions with Moscow.
Previously, the Pentagon had reportedly vetoed Ukrainian ATACMS strikes for months, amid concerns that such actions could provoke a more aggressive response from Russia. The sudden shift in Ukraine’s ability to strike inside Russia suggests a potential change in US policy, although the exact reasons remain unclear.
As Western military support faces challenges, Ukraine has also been deploying homegrown long-range missiles, such as the Flamingo, targeting key infrastructure deep within Russia. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have utilized large, slow-moving winged drones, designed for precision strikes.
This latest development is crucial not only for the military dynamics between Ukraine and Russia but also carries significant implications for international relations and military strategy in the region. The situation is evolving rapidly, and further updates from both military and government sources are expected.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this escalating situation as it unfolds.
