Thu Nov 21 08:54:30 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Launches First ATACMS Strikes into Russia, Prompts US Embassy Closure and Air Raid Warnings

**KYIV, Ukraine (CBS News) —** One thousand days after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine launched its first strikes using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles into Russian territory on Tuesday. This followed President Biden’s recent decision to lift restrictions on their use. The strikes targeted a Russian weapons depot in Bryansk, prompting immediate retaliatory threats from Russia and a heightened security alert from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv closed Wednesday, issuing a security alert warning of a potential significant Russian air attack, possibly within hours. This led to air raid sirens across major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, forcing citizens to seek shelter. A Ukrainian military official stated intelligence suggested the Russian strikes might target Kyiv’s city center.

While Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down several of the eight ATACMS missiles, and reported minor damage, Ukrainian officials say the strikes were successful in hitting their intended target. The ATACMS missiles, with a range of approximately 186 miles, represent a significant escalation of the conflict.

The missile strikes came amidst continuing Russian attacks on Ukraine. Monday saw a deadly Russian drone and missile attack on Odesa that killed 10 people and destroyed homes. These attacks followed previous strikes targeting power infrastructure in the city.

Russia has condemned the use of ATACMS missiles, with some lawmakers warning of escalating the conflict to a wider war. President Putin has yet to directly respond to President Biden’s decision, but he did formally approve a change to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for a potential nuclear strike. Ukrainian officials dismissed this as a bluff.

The war continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides. While exact figures remain undisclosed, estimates suggest tens of thousands of casualties on both sides. Adding to Russia’s military might, Ukrainian officials reported the presence of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers supporting Russian forces, with potential for further deployment. This underscores the intensifying conflict and the rising stakes as the war surpasses 1000 days.

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