KYIV: In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Ukraine announced on Tuesday, November 19, that it has launched US-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles into Russian territory for the first time. This bold move comes as Russia declared a “new phase” in the ongoing conflict, with implications that could significantly change the dynamics of the war.

A senior Ukrainian official confirmed to AFP that a targeted strike occurred in Russia's Bryansk region early Tuesday morning, utilizing the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) provided by the United States, which has an impressive range of up to 300 kilometers.

In an official statement, Russia condemned the missile strikes, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arguing that the approval from Washington for Ukraine to use such weapons represents a significant escalation. "This marks a qualitatively new phase of the Western war against Russia. We will respond accordingly," he stated during a press briefing at the G20 summit in Brazil.

This intensification of hostilities coincides with the grim milestone of 1,000 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has led to suffering on both sides. Just before Ukraine's missile launches, a separate Russian strike in Sumy resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 12 civilians, including a child, underscoring the ongoing human cost of the war.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vocally criticized Russian aggression, sharing harrowing images of rescue efforts and urging international allies to exert pressure on Moscow for peace. Ukraine’s foreign ministry reiterated the nation’s resilience, asserting that they “will never submit to the occupiers” and emphasized “peace through strength, not appeasement,” in light of rising calls for negotiations with Russia.

US Support Intensifies – But Controversial Opinions Arise

The recent authorization for Ukraine to utilize ATACMS marks a pivotal moment in the war. This shift has drawn fierce criticism from Russian officials, who claim that the usage of weapons supplied by Western powers effectively makes the US a direct player in this conflict. Lavrov mentioned, “The missiles could not have been fired without US technical support, which signals a clear intent for escalation.”

In a move that has heightened global tension, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by signing a decree that broadens the circumstances under which Russia may deploy nuclear weapons, specifically if faced with significant attacks from military powers. This new doctrine raises alarm regarding the stability of the geopolitical landscape in the region.

As both Ukraine and Russia bolster their military budgets to support ongoing operations—Ukraine earmarking over $50 billion for defense in its 2025 budget while Russia plans a nearly 30% increase in military spending—the conflict's repercussions echo beyond borders.

Urgent Warnings from NATO and EU Officials

In response to the heightened peril, NATO chief Mark Rutte emphasized the dire necessity of ensuring that Putin does not achieve his objectives. “An empowered Russia poses a direct threat to all Western nations. We must stand firm,” he warned.

Meanwhile, European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, strongly advocated for member states to align with US policy by supporting Ukraine's capability to strike military targets within Russia using donated long-range missile systems, arguing that such actions are consistent with international law.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of these recent military actions remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conflict is far from resolution, and each development carries significant weight on the global stage. Stay tuned as we continue to cover this critical moment in history!