Ukraine Strikes Russia With US Missiles: Moscow Threatens Nuclear Response.

The escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia reaches a new level: American Atacms missiles hit Bryansk, while Moscow updates its nuclear doctrine. A thousand days of war, devastating toll and global tensions skyrocketing.

US Atacms missiles used for the first time against Russia

Two days after Joe Biden's approval, Ukraine used US-supplied **Atacms** ballistic missiles for the first time to strike Russian territory. The attack, revealed by sources close to the Ukrainian defense forces and confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry, targeted a strategic site in the **Bryansk** region.

According to Ukrainian sources, “the operation successfully hit the designated target.” The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the attack, saying that six Atacms missiles were launched at the site at 3:25 a.m. This event represents a significant turning point in the war, as it marks the first time Washington-supplied long-range weapons have been used to strike targets beyond Ukraine’s borders.

An escalation defined by Moscow as "a new phase of the war"

The Russian reaction was not long in coming. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, described the use of American missiles as a “new stage in the West’s war against Russia.” Lavrov warned that Moscow would respond proportionately and that he considered this move a further step toward escalating the global conflict.

Putin Updates Nuclear Doctrine: Possible Response Even Against Non-Nuclear Countries

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree updating the country's nuclear doctrine, expanding the criteria for using nuclear weapons. The new version includes the possibility of responding to an attack conducted by a non-nuclear country, but with the support of a nuclear power.

At a briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the changes were needed to “align Russian principles with the current situation.” Peskov also warned that Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, with U.S. approval, could serve as justification for Moscow to resort to nuclear weapons.

Already in recent days, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, had issued a warning, stating that any attack conducted with Western missiles on Russian territory would be considered direct involvement of the United States in the conflict.

Atacms and Storm Shadow: Game-Changing Weapons

The Atacms, an acronym for Army Tactical Missile System, are short-range ballistic missiles produced by Lockheed Martin. With a maximum range of 300 km, they represent a step forward from the previous systems available to Ukraine, which until now could only strike invaded territory. They can be launched from the Himars and M270 mobile systems already in service with Kiev, offering the ability to strike strategic Russian targets in depth.

In addition to the Atacms, Kiev also has Storm Shadow missiles, supplied by the United Kingdom and France, with a maximum range of 250 km. These cruise missiles are designed for precision strikes against fortified bunkers and ammunition depots, as demonstrated by strikes against targets in Crimea.

The combined use of these weapons is redefining the boundaries of the conflict, allowing Ukraine to attack increasingly strategic targets on Russian territory.

International reactions: from the United States to the European Union

The White House condemned Russia’s nuclear threats, calling them “irresponsible rhetoric.” However, the United States has not changed its nuclear posture, despite Moscow’s announced rule change.

In Europe, EU High Representative Josep Borrell expressed full support for the US decision to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine. Borrell called on EU member states to follow the US example, stressing that striking Russian targets from Ukrainian territory is in accordance with international law.

A Thousand Days of War: Devastating Toll

The conflict in Ukraine has reached **a thousand days** in length, marking one of the darkest periods in recent history. According to Western estimates, Russia has suffered more than 600.000 casualties, killed or wounded, while Ukrainian forces have suffered more than 900.000 casualties, according to Moscow.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking on the anniversary, reiterated Europe's support for Ukraine, calling the war a "brutal and imperialist aggression" by Russia.

Zelensky: “Putin Does Not Want Peace”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced a new Russian attack in the Sumy region, which left seven dead, including a child. “Every day Russia shows that it is not interested in peace,” Zelensky said, calling on the world to be “strong and resolute to stop attacks against Ukraine.”

The conflict enters a critical phase

With the use of Atacms missiles and the updating of Russian nuclear doctrine, the war between Ukraine and Russia enters a critical phase, increasing the risk of direct involvement of Western powers. The escalation makes a diplomatic solution increasingly difficult, while the human cost continues to rise.