Ukraine Launches U.S.-Provided Ballistic Missiles Into Russia, Sparking Nuclear Threats

Ukraine has fired long-range tactical ballistic missiles (ATACMS) provided by the U.S. into Russian territory. In response, Russia has escalated tensions by including Ukraine in its potential nuclear strike targets. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its thousandth day, fears are growing that the war is entering a dangerous new phase.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday (3:25 AM) that Ukrainian forces launched six ATACMS missiles toward the border region of Bryansk. Russia claims only one of the missiles caused damage of minimal proportions, as its air defense systems intercepted five missiles. Ukraine has deemed the attack effective and successful.

This strike comes just two days after the U.S. authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles. While the U.S. government has not officially confirmed this approval, some analysts view it as President Joe Biden’s “parting gift” to Ukraine before leaving office.

Ukraine has long lobbied for long-range weapons capable of striking Russian territory, but the U.S. had hesitated, fearing it could further escalate the conflict. This latest strike has sent shockwaves through the international community as Russia considers the attack as direct NATO aggression.

Russia unveiled a new nuclear target on the same day. The revised policy allows for nuclear retaliation against a non-nuclear state (if backed by nuclear powers) attacking Russia. It even provides for nuclear weapon use if conventional attacks pose a significant threat to Russia’s or its allies’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This justification for potential nuclear use appears to be the response to U.S.-made ATACMS striking Russian soil. Moscow views such attacks as a significant threat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine’s recent attack signifies direct Western involvement. He argued that Ukraine cannot use such long-range weapons independently, implying Western forces are operating alongside Ukrainian troops.

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued a stark warning, stating that Ukraine’s employment of NATO alliance weapons might be viewed as an act of aggression against Russia. “In such a scenario, Russia reserves the right to retaliate with weapons of mass destruction against Kyiv and key NATO facilities, wherever they may be located,” he said.

U.S. officials view the ATACMS deployment not just as support for Ukraine but also as a deterrent against North Korea-Russia military cooperation. The New York Times reported that this policy shift sends a warning message regarding potential North Korean troop deployments.

Recent intelligence confirms North Korean troops have been stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, leading to speculation about potential Ukrainian strikes in the area. However, the initial attack targeted Bryansk instead of Kursk.

The Ukraine-Russia conflict is expected to intensify as President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches. He has promised a swift resolution to the war upon taking office. Ukraine and Russia will likely ramp up efforts to secure advantageous positions before potential negotiations.

Military analysts suggest the Bryansk attack was designed to test Russia’s response capabilities. Vasily Kashin, a professor at Moscow’s Higher School of Economics, told TASS that Ukraine’s limited scale indicates an attempt to gauge Russia’s military and political reactions.

International tensions rise as Russia’s response may call for further Western support. The Russia-Ukraine war is rapidly entering a new and more dangerous phase.