Ukraine strikes Russian territory with U.S. ATACMS missiles

Kiev, Nov 20: Ukraine launched U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles deep into Russian territory for the first time, targeting an arms depot in the Bryansk region on the 1,000th day of the conflict. Ukrainian officials confirmed the strikes, which occurred after President Joe Biden granted permission to use the long-range missiles inside Russia. While Moscow reported intercepting most of the missiles and claimed minimal damage, Kyiv stated the attack caused significant secondary explosions at the depot, marking a critical escalation in the ongoing war.

The strike comes amid growing international tension, as Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled a revised nuclear doctrine, signaling a lowered threshold for deploying atomic weapons. Moscow has accused Washington of direct involvement due to the advanced missile system’s use, intensifying fears of further escalation. In response, the United States dismissed the accusations as baseless and reiterated its support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the doctrine, asserting that it reflects Putin’s unwillingness to pursue peace.

The geopolitical stakes have risen as former U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to return to office. Trump’s criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine and his promises to end the war raise uncertainty about future Western support. Both Ukraine and Russia have ramped up military efforts, aiming to secure strategic leverage ahead of potential peace negotiations. Kyiv emphasized the importance of bringing the war to a “just end” in 2025, vowing to continue its fight against Russian aggression.

Despite significant losses on both sides, the war has become increasingly entrenched, with heavy casualties and relentless trench warfare turning eastern cities into ruins. Ukraine’s capture of territory in Russia’s Kursk region has provided some leverage, but Moscow is reportedly mobilizing tens of thousands of troops and deploying North Korean forces to reclaim it. Meanwhile, Russia continues its slow advance in eastern Ukraine, capturing additional settlements as it resumes large-scale attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

As the war rages on, the human cost remains staggering. Millions of Ukrainians live as refugees, and countless families have been shattered by loss and displacement. In Kyiv, a candlelit commemoration saw civilians and soldiers mourning their losses and expressing their determination to fight on. “I only want victory and to return home,” said Yuliia, a displaced resident of Mariupol, encapsulating the resilience and anguish of a nation enduring Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.