Ukraine launches US-made ATACMS missiles into Russia for the first time. Trump administration quietly let Ukraine use US long-range weapons to strike inside Russia.
White Sands Missile Range
Ukraine this week conducted its first confirmed strikes into Russian territory using US-supplied ATACMS missiles, after Washington quietly authorized Kyiv to deploy the long-range weapons across the border, Ukrainian and Russian officials said.
Kyiv’s General Staff announced Monday that the precision-guided missiles had been used “against military targets on Russian territory,” describing the capability as a “significant development” that would continue in future operations.
“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,” the General Staff wrote on X. “This is a landmark event that underscores Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty.” Russian officials said that four ATACMS missiles fired toward the southern city of Voronezh on Tuesday were intercepted by S-400 and Pantsir air-defense systems, according to a Telegram post.
Ukraine did not provide additional details on the targets but emphasized that the strikes were “precision” operations aimed at legitimate military infrastructure.
The launches come nearly a year after the US lifted restrictions preventing Ukraine from using American long-range missiles inside Russia. The Trump administration had at times slowed or blocked requests for cross-border strikes, requiring Pentagon approval for such operations. This week’s launches suggest those limitations have eased, at least temporarily.
The Kremlin has repeatedly warned that Western-supplied long-range weapons used on Russian territory would be considered direct Western involvement. Kyiv, however, argues that the strikes are necessary to target bases, airfields, and supply hubs launching attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has also struck Russian energy infrastructure with domestically made missiles, a campaign that has amplified the impact of President Trump’s sanctions on Russia’s Rosneft and Lukoil oil companies, putting additional pressure on Moscow’s economy.
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