A video shared by a Telegram channel linked to the Ukrainian military shows U.S.-provided ATACMS missiles being launched from an undisclosed site in Ukraine on November 19. AP Photo
Ukraine launched U.S. ATACMS missiles at Russian territory on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing war as the conflict reached its 1,000th day. The move came after U.S. President Joe Biden's administration gave Ukraine permission to use the long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. This approval is seen as a major step in the West's support of Ukraine, and the missile attack specifically targeted a Russian arms depot in the Bryansk region, about 70 miles inside Russian territory.
Russia responded by claiming that its forces shot down five out of the six missiles fired by Ukraine. However, the debris from one missile hit a military facility, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished with no casualties reported. Ukrainian officials confirmed that the ATACMS missiles were used in the attack, although they did not initially specify the weapon. According to a U.S. official, the strike hit an ammunition supply point in the region.
The U.S. decision to approve the use of ATACMS missiles was a notable development in the conflict, as these are the longest-range missiles the U.S. has provided to Ukraine. Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, condemned the action, saying that the use of such advanced weapons was a clear signal of the West’s intent to escalate the war. Moscow has previously warned that any such missile strikes could make the U.S. a direct participant in the conflict, potentially prompting Russian retaliation.
As the war reached its 1,000th day, Ukraine commemorated the milestone with somber reflections, acknowledging the significant toll it has taken on its people and territory. A fifth of Ukraine's land remains under Russian control, and there is growing concern about the future of international support, especially with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s views on the scale of aid to Ukraine. Trump has criticized the ongoing U.S. support, stating he could bring an end to the war without specifying how.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon approved another $100 million in military aid to Ukraine, while Denmark pledged $138 million to help develop Ukraine's arms industry. However, as the war continues to evolve, both sides are pushing for a stronger position in any potential negotiations, with Ukraine insisting on full Russian withdrawal and Western security guarantees.
The war has left deep scars on Ukraine, both physically and emotionally. Over 12,000 civilians have been killed, with nearly 27,000 injured since the invasion began. More than six million Ukrainians have fled the country, and the population has dwindled by a quarter. Despite these immense losses, Ukraine remains resolute, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that the struggle is about defending freedom and defeating dictatorship.
As winter approaches, Russia has intensified its aerial attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure, aiming to weaken the country ahead of the colder months. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Russia has deployed North Korean troops to the battlefield, marking another escalation in the war. Despite these challenges, Ukraine continues to hold out hope for a diplomatic resolution, though the path forward remains unclear as both sides refuse to make significant concessions.
