Ukraine Fires US-Made ATACMs Missiles into Russia, Escalating Tensions Amid Nuclear Threats

Ukraine has launched six US-made ATACM missiles into Russian territory, just days after President Joe Biden authorised the use of long-range missiles for strikes within Russia.

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that five of the missiles were intercepted and destroyed, while another was damaged, with debris falling onto a Russian military facility.

Ukraine’s General Staff issued a statement confirming the strikes, highlighting that the attacks were part of ongoing efforts to destroy ammunition depots used by Russian forces. The statement read: “The destruction of ammunition depots for the Russian occupying forces, aimed at ending Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, will continue.”

This comes on the same day Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an updated nuclear doctrine, declaring that any conventional attack on Russia, supported by a nuclear power, would be viewed as a joint attack on Russia.

The move marks the 1,000th day since Putin sent troops into Ukraine, intensifying fears of a broader conflict.

In response to Ukraine’s missile strikes, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that the use of Western-made missiles by Ukraine could trigger a “nuclear response” under Russia’s new nuclear rules. While the amendments to Russia’s atomic doctrine have not been officially implemented, Peskov indicated they would be enforced “as necessary.”

The updated doctrine also states that Russia would consider any aggression from a non-nuclear state, if supported by nuclear powers, as a “joint attack.”

In addition, the new policy asserts that any violations of Russian borders by strategic aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, or hypersonic weapons could justify a nuclear response.

The announcement of Ukraine’s use of Western-made missiles has sparked outrage in Russia, with state-run media and Kremlin-backed propagandists threatening nuclear retaliation.

Dmitry Kiselyov, a prominent Russian TV personality, warned that US, UK, and French military officers might be involved in missile targeting, which could draw their nations into direct conflict.

He emphasised that the missile strikes into Russian territory could radically escalate the nature of the war, potentially altering its course entirely.

Andrey Gurulev, a senior Russian military officer and hardline MP, escalated the rhetoric by suggesting a nuclear strike on the UK could serve as a warning.

He stated, “There are individual targets that can be hit with demonstrative warning strikes,” adding that the UK would be a likely target.

Gurulev also suggested that Western powers would hesitate to retaliate, citing fear of Russia’s hypersonic nuclear arsenal.

The US decision to approve Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles has triggered a significant uptick in attacks across Ukraine. A missile strike on a nine-story building in Sumy, a city in northern Ukraine, killed at least eight people and injured dozens more.

Rescue teams have been working around the clock to locate survivors, searching through the rubble of damaged buildings.

As the conflict intensifies, international concerns grow over the possibility of further escalation and the increasing threat of nuclear confrontation.