L’Ukraine Strikes Russian Arsenal with US Missiles for the First Time
Ukraine has reached a decisive milestone in its war against Russia by striking a military target inside Russian territory with Atacms missiles provided by the United States. This attack comes shortly after the Biden administration lifted restrictions on the use of these weapons, marking a major shift in US policy. According to sources close to the matter, the attack targeted a significant weapons arsenal near Karachev in the Russian region of Bryansk, over 115 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
‘Without the Americans, it is impossible to use these high-tech missiles.’ – Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister
The missiles, known for their precision and range, enabled Kyiv to strike an ammunition depot located 190 kilometers from the front line in the neighboring Kursk region. This region is currently the scene of a Russian offensive aimed at pushing back Ukrainian troops who have occupied approximately 600 square kilometers since their breakthrough in August. The date of this strike coincides with the thousandth day of the large-scale Russian invasion, emphasizing Ukraine’s determination to continue its operations despite the risks of escalation.
A Cautious Response From Washington
Joe Biden’s decision to lift restrictions on the use of Atacms inside Russia illustrates a significant strategic shift. This decision comes at a crucial time as President-elect Donald Trump is set to resume office in January and has promised to quickly end the war without specifying his strategy details.
Sources indicate that Biden has authorized limited use of Atacms to support targeted operations in Russia, particularly in the Kursk region where Russian forces have amassed approximately 50,000 soldiers, reinforced by 10,000 North Koreans equipped with heavy artillery and rocket systems provided by Pyongyang.
S&P 500 and Bitcoin: Impact on Markets
Facing escalating tensions between the United States and Russia, American stock markets have shown signs of fragility. S&P 500 futures contracts pointed to a 0.5% opening decline on Tuesday, erasing some of the gains made in the previous session. This nervousness reflects the increasing uncertainty about the potential repercussions of an expanded conflict involving major powers.
However, the crypto market seems relatively unaffected by the rising tensions. Bitcoin, in particular, is trading around $91,500 after reaching highs of $92,000, close to its record levels, and up 1.5% in the past 24 hours. This resilience may indicate that investors are finally considering digital assets as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainties.
Reactions on the Ground and Media Responses
The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed the attack while stating that its air defense systems intercepted five out of the six Atacms missiles above the Bryansk region. Videos distributed on Telegram show military installations on fire and smoke trails in the sky, enhancing the visual and symbolic impact of the attack.
Although the Ukrainian General Staff has not explicitly confirmed the use of Atacms, it has claimed responsibility for the strikes on this Russian arsenal, emphasizing the importance of these attacks in slowing down Russian aggression and hindering its logistical capabilities.
Towards Escalation or a Turning Point?
The attack with Atacms marks a strategic turning point in the conflict, raising questions about the next steps in this protracted war. While the Russian response remains uncertain, the lifting of American restrictions and Kyiv’s increased commitment to destroying critical infrastructure could alter the balance of forces. Europe and the rest of the world will closely monitor the repercussions of this new phase of the conflict while scrutinizing financial markets to assess the scope of this latest act in the complex theater of international relations.
