The Russia-Ukraine war reached its 1000th day on Tuesday, a significant milestone in a conflict that shows no signs of abating. On this day, the conflict escalated dramatically as Ukraine launched ATACMS missiles—supplied by the United States—at targets on Russian soil. This is the first time that Ukraine has used these long-range missiles against Russian territory, crossing a red line that Russian President Vladimir Putin had long warned about.
Ukraine’s Bold Move with ATACMS Missiles
The Ukrainian military launched a night attack with six ATACMS missiles, targeting the Bryansk region, located near the Russian border. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, their missile defense systems intercepted five of the missiles, but one missile was damaged, and its fragments ignited a fire at a Russian military facility. Despite the damage, Russian state media reported no casualties resulting from the strikes.
This attack marks a new phase in Ukraine’s military strategy. Having previously used ATACMS missiles on Russian-held territories within Ukraine, this is the first time they have struck Russian territory directly. The missiles, with a range of about 300 kilometers, were authorized by US President Joe Biden during his final days in office, giving Ukraine the green light to target deeper into Russian territory.
Putin’s Nuclear Doctrine and Escalating Tensions
The timing of Ukraine’s missile launch is particularly concerning given recent changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine. In the wake of the attack, Putin approved modifications to Russia’s nuclear weapons policy. Under the new rules, Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if attacked by a nation in concert with a nuclear power. This change has intensified global concerns about the potential for nuclear escalation.
Additionally, the revised doctrine states that if a NATO member state were to attack Russia, Moscow would consider the assault as an attack by the entire alliance. This broadens the scope of retaliation, potentially bringing all NATO members into the crosshairs if Russia perceives an attack by any one of its allies. Given NATO’s strong support for Ukraine, this could mean that any further escalation, particularly involving US-made weapons, might draw the alliance closer to direct confrontation with Russia.
What Is an ATACMS Missile?
The ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile system designed by the United States to provide long-range strike capabilities. It has a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), making it a powerful tool in targeting military infrastructure behind the front lines. The weapon is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, but Ukraine has been using it for conventional strikes on Russian military targets, especially those within the contested regions of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently pressed Western allies, especially the US, to supply longer-range weapons to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. With Biden’s approval of these missile systems, Ukraine’s military capabilities have grown significantly, but so too have the risks of further provoking Russia.
Will Putin Use Nuclear Weapons?
The question of whether Russia will respond to these attacks with nuclear weapons looms large. With the recent shift in Russia’s nuclear policy, Putin has set the stage for potential nuclear escalation if Russia perceives a significant threat. The use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine on Russian soil—combined with NATO’s ongoing military support for Ukraine—could be seen by Moscow as a provocation that justifies a nuclear response, especially if tensions continue to escalate.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the global community remains on edge, hoping that diplomatic measures can prevent further escalation into nuclear confrontation. The 1000th day of the Russia-Ukraine war is a stark reminder of the ongoing risks of global conflict, with nuclear weapons now a more prominent and troubling consideration in the equation.
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