Recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine have escalated tensions as Ukrainian forces reportedly launched six U.S.-made ATACMs into Russian territory on Tuesday. Moscow claims that five of the missiles were shot down by Russian defense systems, with the sixth sustaining damage. Debris from the incident landed near a Russian military facility, resulting in a small fire but no casualties or significant damage.
While Ukraine has not immediately confirmed the use of ATACMs, officials did announce an attack on a military facility in Russia's Bryansk region, where Moscow alleges the missiles fell. This action follows President Biden's approval for Ukraine to utilize American long-range missiles on Russian soil, a move that Russian President Putin had warned would be considered an act of war.
The decision to greenlight the use of missiles was reportedly influenced by Russia's decision to involve 10,000 North Korean soldiers in the conflict in Kursk. It remains uncertain whether Biden intends to extend approval for missile use beyond this region. Additionally, Great Britain and France have authorized Ukraine to conduct SCALP/Storm Shadow missile strikes.
Putin has expressed concerns that allowing Ukraine to use such weaponry implicates NATO countries in the conflict, suggesting direct participation by the U.S. and European nations. He emphasized that the involvement of NATO countries would signify their engagement in the war in Ukraine.
Amidst these developments, President-elect Trump's transition team is expected to appoint a peace envoy to facilitate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Trump had previously campaigned on the promise of resolving the conflict before assuming office.
