Ukraine has utilized U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike Russian territory for the first time in the 1,000 days of war, marking a significant shift in the conflict. On Tuesday, a Telegram channel associated with the Ukrainian military shared footage of the missiles being launched from an undisclosed location within Ukraine. While the authenticity of the video could not be independently confirmed, a U.S. official disclosed that Ukraine fired approximately eight ATACMS, two of which were intercepted by Russian forces. The strikes reportedly targeted an ammunition depot in Karachev, a town in Russia’s Bryansk region, home to around 18,000 residents. The U.S. official, speaking anonymously, mentioned ongoing assessments of the damage caused.
This escalation coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin formalizing a policy lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use. This adjustment could potentially authorize a nuclear response to conventional attacks by nations backed by nuclear-armed allies, such as the U.S. supporting Ukraine. The development underscores heightened international tensions surrounding the war.
Russian media quoted the Defense Ministry stating that five ATACMS missiles were intercepted, while fragments from another sparked a fire at a military facility without causing casualties or significant damage. Neither side’s claims regarding the attacks have been independently verified.
Karachev, situated about 115 kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border, has become a focal point in this intensifying conflict. Although Ukraine has demonstrated the ability to target deeper into Russian territory using drones—reaching cities like Moscow and even Izhevsk, some 1,450 kilometers from the border—this marks the first instance of missiles being employed for such operations.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has been under relentless attack. On Monday night, a Shahed drone strike hit a residential dormitory in Hlukhiv, a town in the northern Sumy region, killing 12 people, including a child, and injuring 11 others. On Sunday, Sumy faced another devastating attack when a Russian ballistic missile carrying cluster munitions struck a residential area, leaving 11 dead and 84 wounded. A separate missile barrage in Odesa ignited apartment fires, claiming at least 10 lives and injuring 43.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned these attacks, stating they illustrate Putin’s lack of interest in ending the war. “Each new attack by Russia only confirms Putin’s true intentions. He wants the war to continue. Talks about peace are not interesting to him. We must force Russia to a just peace by force,” Zelenskyy declared.
During a speech to European Union lawmakers, Zelenskyy revealed that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops had been deployed along Ukraine’s borders, with that number potentially increasing to 100,000. The assertion highlights Russia’s growing reliance on external support, including North Korea, a development that has drawn international concern.
Zelenskyy also presented a “resilience plan” at the Ukrainian parliament, outlining measures to strengthen Ukraine’s defense amid escalating attacks. The plan includes reforms in army management, such as appointing a military ombudsman and introducing a new system for handling military contracts. Zelenskyy noted, however, that Ukraine has no immediate plans to lower the mobilization age from 25, despite manpower shortages on the front lines.
Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense has been bolstered by longer-range weaponry like the ATACMS, which analysts believe could disrupt Russia’s battlefield advances. Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute commented, “Ukraine’s partners can do little to change the character of the fighting on the line of contact, but by targeting capabilities that are currently giving Russia a battlefield advantage, time can be bought.”
Zelenskyy also announced plans to ramp up domestic military production, including at least 30,000 long-range drones and 3,000 long-range missiles next year. This initiative aims to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on Western military aid. A comprehensive version of this plan is expected to be unveiled next month.
On the geopolitical front, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte indicated ongoing discussions among Western nations about increasing support for Ukraine. “More aid, more money we have to make available to them, particularly now that the North Koreans have come on board,” he remarked during a meeting in Brussels.
The European Parliament held a special session to commemorate the 1,000 days of the war, with President Roberta Metsola honoring Ukraine’s resilience. “One thousand days of terror, suffering and unimaginable loss. One thousand days of courage, resilience and unbreakable spirits,” Metsola stated, addressing Zelenskyy. She added, “Your people are an inspiration to all who value freedom around the world.”
The war’s protracted nature has led analysts to speculate on its eventual conclusion. While both Russia and Ukraine face sustainability challenges, Russia’s larger resource base gives it an advantage for prolonged engagement. The international community remains divided, with former U.S. President-elect Donald Trump vowing to end the war swiftly upon taking office. Trump has criticized the financial burden on the U.S. for aiding Ukraine, further complicating the global dynamics surrounding the conflict.
As the war continues, the humanitarian toll grows. Ukrainian civilians have faced repeated assaults by Russian drones and missiles, intensifying the suffering. Zelenskyy and his administration remain focused on maintaining resilience while advocating for increased international support to counter Russia’s relentless aggression. The coming months may prove pivotal, as Ukraine seeks to leverage both domestic innovation and international alliances to withstand the ongoing onslaught.
