Russia claims it shot down US-made ATACMS missiles and issues nuclear threat

Thu Nov 21 08:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Uses US-Supplied ATACMS Missiles in Russia, Prompting Nuclear Threat

**Moscow, Russia/Kyiv, Ukraine** – Ukraine used American-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets inside Russia for the first time, according to multiple US officials and Russian reports. This action has triggered a sharp response from Moscow, which updated its nuclear doctrine to allow for nuclear strikes in response to ballistic missile attacks using Western weaponry.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces launched six ballistic missiles, claiming to have intercepted five and damaging the sixth, which struck a military facility in the Bryansk region. They specifically identified the missiles as ATACMS. However, a US official offered a different account, stating that eight ATACMS were launched, with two intercepted and six hitting an ammunition depot in Karachev.

Following the strike, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, stating that the use of Western non-nuclear missiles against Russia could justify a nuclear response. This prompted condemnation from the US State Department, which called the rhetoric “irresponsible” but insisted there was no indication of imminent Russian nuclear use. While President Zelenskyy declined to confirm or deny the use of ATACMS, he stated that Ukraine possesses and will use the long-range missiles.

The timing of the Russian nuclear doctrine update, signed by President Putin, follows weeks of anger over the reported US decision to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS on Russian territory. The new doctrine allows for nuclear retaliation if a non-nuclear country, with the assistance of a nuclear power, launches an attack that threatens Russia’s existence. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov linked the ATACMS strikes to Western escalation.

The extent of US involvement in the operation remains unclear, although Kyiv is entirely dependent on the US for ATACMS resupply. The Biden administration has not publicly confirmed approving the use of the missiles inside Russia. The incident comes amidst heightened tensions due to reports of approximately 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region.