U.S. Rockets Target Russian Arsenal as Ukraine Escalates Counteroffensive
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has entered a new and critical phase following the use of U.S.-made long-range missiles by Ukraine, a shift that signals an escalation in the conflict. On November 19, 2024, Ukrainian forces fired eight Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) rockets at a major Russian missile storage site in Bryansk Oblast, located just 60 miles from the Ukrainian border. This move comes after months of diplomatic hesitation and U.S. policy adjustments, marking a significant milestone in the war’s military dynamics.
The arsenal targeted in Bryansk, known as the 67th Main Missile and Artillery Directorate Arsenal, is one of Russia’s largest ammunition storage sites, spanning over 1.3 square miles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier stated, “Missiles will speak for themselves,” following the announcement that Ukraine had been granted permission to fire American-made rockets on Russian soil. The attack was a direct response to the Russian military's ongoing operations, including a costly counteroffensive in the Kursk region, which has seen heavy Russian losses.
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The decision by the Biden administration to allow the use of ATACMS rockets against Russian targets marks a shift in U.S. policy, which had previously been reluctant to approve such strikes. While the U.S. had supplied Ukraine with the 190-mile-range missiles months earlier, they were restricted from being used on Russian territory. However, the recent involvement of North Korean troops in support of Russian forces and the worsening situation in the Kursk region prompted Washington to reconsider.
The ATACMS rockets fired by Ukraine are capable of releasing submunitions that scatter over large areas, causing significant damage. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that five of the incoming missiles were intercepted by air-defense systems, while the remaining missiles caused a fire after fragments struck a military facility. However, reports from Reuters suggest that only two rockets were actually shot down.
Despite the new policy shift, the Biden administration has made it clear that strikes will only be permitted in areas directly related to Ukraine’s defense, particularly in the Kursk region. This suggests that the White House is still cautious about further escalation, limiting strikes to military objectives that directly impact Ukrainian defensive efforts.
The strikes on the Bryansk arsenal represent a continuation of Ukraine's strategy to weaken Russian supply lines and military infrastructure, with the aim of gaining leverage in future negotiations. Russia, anticipating such developments, has already begun fortifying key military installations, including those near Kursk. These preparations, along with the fortifications of the Bryansk arsenal, may have diminished the effectiveness of the ATACMS strike, but the symbolism of Ukraine’s new ability to hit Russian targets on their home soil is undeniable.
As the conflict intensifies, analysts believe that these strikes could pave the way for further escalations. With Russian President Vladimir Putin recently adjusting the thresholds for nuclear weapon use, the international community is watching closely, wary of how these changes might impact the broader geopolitical situation. For Ukraine, the use of advanced weaponry like the ATACMS may not only serve as a military tool but also as a strategic message that Kyiv is determined to defend its territory and achieve its objectives, regardless of the challenges ahead.
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