Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s words, “Missiles will speak for themselves,” proved prophetic as Ukraine launched U.S.-made ATACMS rockets at a major Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk Oblast.
The strike targeted one of Russia’s largest missile storage sites, located just 60 miles from the Ukrainian border, Forbes reported.
The Biden administration had initially restricted Ukraine from using these long-range missiles on Russian soil. However, in a policy shift, the U.S. gave the green light for such strikes to support Ukraine’s defense efforts, particularly in regions like Kursk, where Russian troops have been facing a determined Ukrainian counteroffensive.
The ATACMS rockets, designed to deploy over 8,000 submunitions, hit the arsenal after dark.
Although Russian officials claim to have intercepted several rockets, reports suggest only a few were downed, leaving much of the arsenal vulnerable to damage. This strike follows previous drone attacks on the site, intensifying the pressure on Russian forces.
This change in U.S. policy reflects a broader strategy to help Ukraine counter Russian advancements, especially as Moscow continues to escalate the conflict. The Bryansk attack is seen as a direct response to Russian aggression and a demonstration of Ukraine’s increasing offensive capabilities.
Despite this strike’s success, the full extent of the damage remains uncertain.
Reports suggest that Russian defenses have been reinforced in anticipation of more such missile attacks, with facilities in Kursk and Bryansk bolstered to resist Ukraine’s growing missile power.
With the stakes rising, tensions continue to mount.
While Russia has lowered its nuclear threshold in response to these developments, the U.S. maintains its stance that it is not at war with Russia despite increasing military involvement in Ukraine’s defense.