Ukraine confirms first use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles against Russian territory
By kevinhughes // 2025-11-23
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  • Ukraine officially deployed U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against Russian military targets, marking a major escalation in Kyiv's long-range strike capabilities. The attack targeted Russian military infrastructure, though Russia claims its air defenses intercepted all missiles.
  • The Biden administration initially eased restrictions on Ukraine's use of ATACMS inside Russia in late 2024. The second Trump administration reportedly blocked such strikes for months, citing escalation risks, before possibly reversing course.
  • Russia responded with a massive missile and drone assault across Ukraine, killing at least 25 people including children. Russian officials claim intercepted ATACMS debris damaged civilian structures, though no casualties were reported.
  • The strike deep inside Russia highlights Ukraine's dependence on Western long-range weapons but raises fears of nuclear escalation. Trump previously criticized Biden for restricting Ukraine's ability to strike Russian territory, yet his administration also hesitated.
  • While awaiting U.S. approval, Ukraine increasingly used domestic drones (e.g., Flamingo) to hit Russian oil refineries and military sites. The ATACMS deployment suggests Washington may be loosening restrictions, but policy remains uncertain amid fierce Russian retaliation.
Ukraine has officially confirmed its first use of U.S.-provided ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) ballistic missiles against military targets inside Russia, marking a significant escalation in Kyiv's long-range strike capabilities. According to Ukraine's General Staff, the ATACMS missiles were deployed in a "precision strike" against Russian military infrastructure. While Kyiv did not disclose specific details of the attack, Russian sources reported explosions in the Voronezh region, approximately 115 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed its air defenses intercepted all four ATACMS missiles, though falling debris allegedly damaged a retirement home, an orphanage and a residential building. No civilian casualties were reported. "Russian S-400 air defense crews and Pantsir missile and gun systems shot down all ATACMS missiles," the Russian ministry stated on Telegram. However, Ukraine maintains that the strike successfully hit its intended military target. The attack, which targeted Russian military installations, comes after months of U.S. Department of War-imposed restrictions on Ukraine's ability to use Western-supplied weapons beyond its borders. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, ATACMS is a surface-to-surface, medium-range, guided missile system developed by the U.S. Army. It's designed to provide rapid, long-range and precise fire support to maneuver forces in theater. The decentralized engine adds that while the ATACMS is a powerful weapon, it's not without criticism. Some concerns include its high cost, the potential for collateral damage due to its submunition variant, and the ethical implications of using such a powerful weapon in certain contexts.

Will Putin go nuclear after Ukraine's ATACMS strike?

The Biden administration initially eased restrictions on Ukraine's use of ATACMS in late 2024, allowing Kyiv to strike Russian territory for the first time. However, under the Trump administration, a Pentagon review process reportedly blocked such strikes for months, citing concerns over escalation risks. "The use of long-range strike capabilities, including systems such as ATACMS, will continue," Ukraine's General Staff declared in a statement, signaling a renewed offensive push despite ongoing political uncertainties in Washington. In response to the ATACMS attack, Russia launched a massive missile and drone assault across Ukraine, killing at least 25 people – including three children – in the western city of Ternopil. Ukrainian officials described the bombardment as one of the deadliest attacks on western Ukraine since the war began. Russia fired a staggering 476 drones and 48 missiles in a single day, according to Kyiv's air force. The use of ATACMS deep inside Russian territory underscores Ukraine's growing reliance on Western-supplied long-range weapons to counter Moscow's military advantage. However, the Biden and Trump administrations have been divided on how far Kyiv should be allowed to strike, with fears that hitting Russian soil could provoke a nuclear response. President Donald Trump had previously criticized former President Joe Biden's hesitation, stating in August that Ukraine has no chance of winning if not permitted to attack Russia. Despite this rhetoric, reports suggest Trump's Pentagon initially maintained restrictions on ATACMS strikes before apparently reversing course. While awaiting U.S. approval, Ukraine has increasingly relied on domestically produced long-range drones and missiles, such as the Flamingo, to strike Russian oil refineries and military facilities. The renewed use of ATACMS suggests Washington may be loosening its grip on Kyiv's offensive operations, though the White House has yet to publicly confirm any policy shift. The ATACMS strike marks a pivotal moment in Ukraine's war effort, demonstrating Kyiv's ability to hit high-value Russian targets far beyond the front lines. Yet, with Moscow retaliating fiercely and U.S. policy still in flux, the conflict's trajectory remains uncertain. As Ukraine vows to continue its long-range strikes, the world watches closely – aware that each escalation could redefine the war's boundaries. Watch this video about Ukraine launching its first ATACMS missiles at Russia. This video is from the Maverick News channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: News.Antiwar.com Reuters.com KyivIndependent.com BusinessInsider.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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