In a first, Ukraine used ATACMS long-range missile to strike Russia
- 19 November, 09:28
Ukraine struck an ammunition depot in Russia’s Bryansk region with US-made Army Tactical Missile System, ATACMS, for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-fledged invasion in 2022.
ATACMS, which a range of 190 miles, struck the 67th arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry in the city of Karachevo in Bryansk.
"Indeed, this is the first time that ATACMS has been used to strike Russian territory. The strike was carried out on a facility in the Bryansk region, and it was successfully destroyed," a source within the Ukrainian Defence Ministry said. Head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation Andriy Kovalenko said in Telegram post that Russia stored "artillery ammunition, including anti-aircraft missiles for their systems, anti-aircraft missiles and ammunition for the RSV" at the ammunition storage facility. Local residents shared a video of the explosion in social media. This was the third attack on Karachevo ammunition depot since the start of the war, while first attack with the use of ATACMS.
Ukraine’s use of US-made ATACMS on Russia’s Bryansk region follows Joe Biden’s decision to lift the limit on Ukraine’s use of these missiles. The outgoing Biden administration’s decision comes two months before the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump who is keen on speedy end to the war in Ukraine. Following Biden’s announcement, French Foreign Ministry also stated that Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles to strike Russia was an “option”.
