19.11.2024, Moscow.
The Ukrainian armed units launched a strike using six ATACMS ballistic missiles against Bryansk Region last night. Air defense systems successfully intercepted the attack, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on November 19.
The ministry detailed that at 3:25 AM Moscow time, the enemy targeted an object in Bryansk Region with six US-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles. Air defense units employing S-400 and Pantsir missile systems intercepted five of the missiles, while the sixth was damaged. Debris from the damaged missile fell into the technical zone of a military facility, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished.
The ministry confirmed that there were no casualties or damage due to the strike.
On the previous Sunday, The New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, stated that President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US long-range weapons, including ATACMS missiles, by Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory. The decision was reportedly made following reports of North Korean military personnel arriving in Kursk Region. According to Axios, Washington informed Kiev of this authorization three days prior. On the same day, Le Figaro reported that France and the United Kingdom had also permitted strikes into Russia using SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles. However, this information was later removed from their website.
On Tuesday, Vladimir Putin approved the “Fundamentals of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence.” The document asserts that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use of weapons of mass destruction against it. Any aggression against Moscow by a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear state would be considered a joint attack.
Previously, Putin stated that NATO countries were discussing not only the provision of long-range weapons to the Ukrainian armed units but also direct involvement in the conflict. The Kiev regime has already been conducting strikes on Russian territory using drones and other means. The use of high-precision long-range weapons of Western manufacture is carried out with the participation of NATO military personnel, as they can program flight missions into the missile systems.
Direct involvement by the West in the Ukrainian conflict would change its nature and signify that the US and European countries are at war with Russia. Moscow will make decisions based on the threats posed, Putin concluded.
