Ukraine's Game-Changer: ATACMS Strike Marks A New Phase In The War

Ukraine has launched its first strike deep into Russian territory using US-made ATACMS missiles, according to two US officials. The attack on a Russian weapons depot in Bryansk signals a major escalation as the war enters its 1,000th day.  

This bold move comes just days after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to deploy longer-range American missiles, ending months of hesitation aimed at avoiding a drastic escalation. The missiles were fired at 3:25 a.m. local time Tuesday, with Russia claiming its air defenses intercepted five of the six missiles. Fragments from the damaged missile reportedly sparked a fire on a military site, though no casualties or significant damage were reported.  

Zelensky’s Quiet Confidence  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declined to confirm the attack but didn’t shy away from emphasizing Ukraine's growing arsenal. “Ukraine has long-range capabilities… we now have ATACMS, and we will use all of this,” he stated at a press briefing.  

This strike underscores Kyiv's determination to leverage new weapons quickly. It also aligns with Zelensky’s “Victory Plan,” which prioritizes long-range capabilities as critical to ending the war on Ukraine’s terms.  

Russia’s Nuclear Posturing 

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin updated Russia’s nuclear doctrine. The revisions suggest Moscow might consider any aggression involving a nuclear-aligned nation—like the US—a justification for nuclear retaliation. The Kremlin described this shift as lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use, amplifying concerns about escalation.  

While the Pentagon dismissed the rhetoric as “irresponsible,” it acknowledged the gravity of Russia’s signal. Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh noted there is no current indication of Russia preparing to deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine.  

Geopolitical Tensions And Diverging Allies

The strike arrives as Russia intensifies its campaign against Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure with missile and drone barrages to weaken morale and weaponize winter. Meanwhile, thousands of North Korean troops have reportedly been stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, a move the US described as “a major escalation.”  

Although the US has supported Ukraine with advanced weaponry, some Western allies remain cautious. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil, reiterated his refusal to send Taurus missiles to Kyiv, calling such actions a “mistake.”  

The Bigger Picture  

This development highlights a critical shift in the conflict’s dynamics. For months, Russia has warned that Western-supplied long-range missiles would provoke a "new phase of war." Now, with Ukraine using ATACMS to strike inside Russian borders, the stakes have risen significantly.  

As the war grinds on into its third winter, Zelensky's confidence in his military’s capabilities—and Biden’s strategic endorsement—signals that Kyiv is ready to reshape the battlefield, no matter the risks. The question now is how Moscow will respond.