Ukraine launched its first strike into Russia using US-supplied ATACMS missiles, igniting fears of a major escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The attack targeted an ammunition depot in Karachev, located in Russia’s Bryansk region, not far from the Ukrainian border.

This incident coincided with the 1,000th day of the war and followed the Biden administration’s controversial green light for Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets.

In response, the Kremlin issued threats of a nuclear response, asserting that any strike within Russia’s territory would be considered aggression.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov signaled that nuclear weapons could be deployed if Russian territory is attacked by conventional means from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear-armed nation.

Strong stance

Despite these threats, Ukraine’s foreign ministry maintained a strong stance, asserting that it would continue fighting for its sovereignty.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies to reinforce Ukraine’s military capabilities to secure a “just peace.”

Analysts debated the strategic implications of using ATACMS, questioning whether it might change the war’s trajectory or provoke a severe backlash from Russia.

Amid the heated exchanges, NATO continued military exercises nearby, and leaders emphasized the need to support Ukraine to deter Russian aggression.