Ukraine launches long-range missiles into Russia after US lifts weapon sanction

In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow claimed that Kyiv for the first time launched US-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles into Russia's Bryansk region — approximately 80 miles from the Ukrainian border — on Nov 19.

The ATACMS missiles have a range of approximately 190 miles, enabling Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory than ever before.

The war entered its 1,000th day on which the strike occurred. The attack also comes just two days after US President Joe Biden reportedly allowed Ukraine to use US-made weapons to fire deep into Russia, lifting previous restrictions on their deployment.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the missile strike occurred at approximately 3:25 am local time on Nov 19.

Ukrainian forces reportedly fired six ATACMS missiles targeting a military facility in Bryansk, which is known to house ammunition depots.

The Russian military claimed to have intercepted five of the missiles, with one sustaining damage that resulted in debris igniting a fire at a nearby military installation.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or significant damage from the incident.

This attack comes just two days after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use these long-range missiles against targets within Russia.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a press briefing on Nov 18 that the "involvement of North Korean troops by Russia was a major escalation, bringing in an Asian military to a conflict inside Europe", a CNN report quoted him as saying.

Biden administration had been deliberating on easing the limitations on weapons usage for Ukraine for a long time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had also been insisting Biden to allow Kyiv to use American missiles to target deeper Russian targets.

Following Biden's authorization, Zelensky stated that "missiles speak for themselves," indicating his readiness to utilize the newly acquired capabilities swiftly.

Responding to Ukraine's attack, the Kremlin has issued a warning that such actions could escalate tensions and potentially lead to a broader conflict involving nuclear weapons.

President Vladimir Putin recently updated Russia's nuclear doctrine to classify any conventional attack on its territory—especially those supported by nuclear power—as a justification for considering atomic retaliation.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about the potential defeat of Ukraine in its war with Russia if the United States reduces military funding.

While talking to Fox News, the Ukrainian President said that Ukraine risks losing the war if US military aid is cut.

"If they cut, we will – I think we will lose," Zelenskyy said. adding that while Ukraine has its own resources and production capabilities, they are insufficient to ensure victory.

His statement comes amid ongoing discussions in the US about the continuation of financial support for Ukraine, especially with President-elect Donald Trump being a prominent critic of such aid.

Trump has pledged to end the conflict quickly but has not provided specific strategies for doing so.

Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of unity between Ukraine and the US, suggesting that Trump could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war due to his perceived strength compared to Putin.