Ukraine’s first launch of ‘advanced weapon’ into Russia sparks new WW3 fears

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has launched US-provided ATACMS missiles into Russian territory this week – marking the first confirmed strikes of this nature. The move comes after Washington quietly granted Kyiv permission to use the long-range weapons for attacks across the border, as reported by both Ukrainian and Russian officials to the New York Times.

Ukraine‘s General Staff announced on Monday that it had deployed the precision-guided missiles “against military targets on Russian territory,” describing the capability as a “significant development” that would be utilized in future operations.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the General Staff wrote, “The Armed Forces of Ukraine have successfully employed ATACMS tactical missile systems to deliver a precision strike on military targets on the territory of russia. This is a landmark event that underscores Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty.”

Russia claims interception, retaliatory strikes

According to Russian officials, four ATACMS were fired toward the southern city of Voronezh on Tuesday, with all of them allegedly intercepted by S-400 and Pantsir air-defense systems, as stated in a Telegram post.

The Kremlin further claimed that its forces destroyed two Ukrainian ATACMS launch vehicles in Kharkiv Oblast during retaliatory strikes using Iskander-M missiles – an assertion that could not be independently verified.

While Ukraine did not provide additional details on the specific targets hit, it emphasized that the strikes were “precision” operations aimed at legitimate military infrastructure.

US lifts restrictions on long-range missile use

The strikes come nearly a year after the US removed restrictions that had previously barred Ukraine from using American long-range missiles for attacks inside Russia.

Former President Joe Biden had initially limited Kyiv to firing ATACMS only within Ukrainian territory, despite repeated requests for expanded latitude. The Trump administration had also intermittently slowed or blocked certain long-range strike requests, with reports indicating that Pentagon approval was required for cross-border missile operations.

Kremlin warns of consequences

The Kremlin has repeatedly cautioned that the use of Western-provided long-range weapons on its territory would be considered direct Western involvement in the conflict.

Ukraine, however, maintains that the strikes are necessary to target bases, airfields, and supply hubs launching attacks on Ukrainian cities.

In recent weeks, Kyiv has successfully attacked Russian energy infrastructure using Ukrainian-made missiles. These strikes have amplified the impact of President Trump’s sanctions on Russia’s Rosneft and Lukoil oil companies, further straining Moscow’s economy.

US remains silent, but shift in Ukraine’s strategy evident

While the US has not publicly confirmed the latest missile use, the development highlights a shift in Ukraine’s approach to the war – striking deeper, faster, and farther than at any point since Russia’s invasion began.

With Ukraine’s military stating that the long-range capability will “continue,” it appears that more cross-border strikes are on the horizon.