Ukraine has launched US-supplied ATACMS missiles into Russian territory for the first time, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This development comes after Washington permitted Kyiv to deploy these long-range weapons for strikes across the border. Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed the strikes, which were aimed at military targets.
On Monday, Ukraine’s General Staff announced that it had successfully used the precision-guided ATACMS missiles against targets in Russia, referring to the action as a “landmark event.” The General Staff highlighted the operation as part of Ukraine’s commitment to defending its sovereignty. In a post on X, they stated, “The Armed Forces of Ukraine have successfully employed ATACMS tactical missile systems to deliver a precision strike on military targets on the territory of Russia.”
The strikes reportedly targeted the southern city of Voronezh on Tuesday. Russian officials claimed that all four missiles were intercepted by S-400 and Pantsir air-defense systems. Additionally, the Kremlin asserted that its forces destroyed two Ukrainian ATACMS launch vehicles in Kharkiv Oblast during retaliatory strikes. However, these claims remain unverified.
While Ukraine did not provide further details on the specific targets, it emphasized that the strikes were precision operations aimed at legitimate military infrastructure. This marks a notable shift, as it comes nearly a year after the US eased restrictions that previously limited Ukraine from using American long-range missiles for operations inside Russian territory.
Former President Joe Biden had restricted the use of ATACMS to Ukrainian territory only, despite ongoing requests from Kyiv for broader operational latitude. The previous administration under Donald Trump had intermittently blocked long-range strike requests, requiring Pentagon approval for cross-border missile operations.
This week’s launches indicate a loosening of those limitations, signaling a shift in Ukraine’s military strategy. The Kremlin has consistently warned that the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons in Russian territory would be viewed as direct Western involvement in the conflict.
In its defense, Kyiv argues that such strikes are essential to target bases, airfields, and supply hubs that launch attacks on Ukrainian cities. Recently, Ukraine has achieved notable success in attacking Russian energy infrastructure, which has intensified the economic impact of sanctions on Russian companies like Rosneft and Lukoil.
The US has not publicly acknowledged the latest missile usage, but the development reflects a significant change in Ukraine’s approach to the war. The military indicated that the long-range capability would be utilized further, suggesting that more cross-border strikes could follow.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the implications of this escalation will likely resonate throughout the region, affecting both military strategies and international relations.
