Ukraine has reportedly fired United States-made ATACMS missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, was confirmed by Russia’s state media outlet TASS, citing the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The launch follows the Biden administration’s recent approval for Ukraine to use the longer-range ATACMS missiles to strike within Russian territory. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, five of the ATACMS missiles were intercepted and shot down by air defences over Bryansk. The ministry also reported that fragments from the missiles fell onto a military facility, causing a fire that has since been extinguished. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or significant damage.

This marks the first confirmed instance of Ukraine deploying the ATACMS missiles, which are known for their precision and extended range, to strike targets deep within Russian borders. The missiles’ use is seen as a significant development in Ukraine’s military strategy, as it extends the battlefield beyond its own borders, leveraging Western military support.

Neither Ukrainian nor U.S. officials have yet commented on the reports, but the incident highlights the growing role of Western-supplied weaponry in Ukraine’s defense efforts. The introduction of the ATACMS missiles adds a new dimension to the ongoing war, as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its capacity to repel Russian forces.

The attack on Bryansk further underscores the escalating nature of the conflict, with both sides continuing to adapt and employ more advanced weaponry. The use of these advanced missiles represents a shift in the dynamics of the war and is likely to influence the course of the conflict in the coming months.