**KYIV, Ukraine** — On Tuesday, Ukrainian officials confirmed that Ukraine utilized American-supplied longer-range missiles to strike targets within Russia, marking the first use of these weapons in such a manner during the ongoing conflict, now spanning over **1,000 days**.
The missiles, known as the **Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)**, were fired amid heightened tensions as Russian President **Vladimir Putin** officially announced a lower threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. This change implies that any conventional attack supported by a nuclear power, such as the U.S., could potentially provoke a nuclear response from Moscow.
A Telegram channel linked to the Ukrainian military shared a video on Tuesday, purportedly showing the firing of the U.S.-supplied ATACMS from an undisclosed location in Ukraine. The **Associated Press** noted it could not independently verify the video’s authenticity or origin.
According to an anonymous **U.S. official**, approximately eight missiles were launched, with only two being intercepted by Russian defenses. The targeted location was identified as an ammunition supply depot in **Karachev**, a city with a population of around **18,000** in Russia’s **Bryansk region**. The U.S. is currently assessing potential damage from these strikes.
The recent developments indicate a worrying escalation in the conflict, particularly with U.S. officials expressing concern over Russia’s enlistment of **North Korean troops** to assist in the war against Ukraine. This comes after Moscow responded negatively to the recent easing of restrictions on the ATACMS by Washington.
The milestone of **1,000 days** has led to increased scrutiny regarding the war’s trajectory and potential resolution, especially with **President-elect Donald Trump** anticipated to take office in the coming months. Trump has voiced intentions to swiftly conclude the conflict and criticized the extent of U.S. financial support for Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that while neither Russia nor Ukraine can sustain the war indefinitely, Russia’s larger resources may allow it to continue longer. Nonetheless, Ukrainian forces face intense pressure along a **600-mile** front, particularly as civilians endure repeated drone and missile assaults from Russian forces.
On the same day, Ukraine reported that it successfully hit a military weapons depot in **Bryansk** overnight, although it did not specify the weaponry used for the strike. Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelenskyy** indicated, during a news conference, that Ukraine possesses long-range capabilities, thereby confirming the inclusion of ATACMS in their arsenal.
Russian officials have claimed to have intercepted five ATACMS missiles and asserted that debris caused a fire at an unspecified military facility without resulting in damage or casualties. These claims from both sides remain unverified.
**Karachev**, strategically positioned roughly **70 miles** from the Ukraine border, has become increasingly vulnerable as Ukraine has demonstrated capabilities to penetrate deeper into Russian territory with various means, including drones reaching as far as **310 miles** from the border.
In a separate event, Ukrainian officials disclosed another Russian airstrike in a Ukrainian residential area, resulting in at least **12 fatalities**, including a child. This attack on **November 13** involved a **Shahed drone** targeting a **dormitory** in the northern **Sumy region**, injuring at least **11 others**.
Further Russian aggression was observed over the weekend, including a ballistic missile attack in Sumy that claimed **11 lives** and a barrage in **Odesa** that killed **10 people**. President Zelenskyy emphasized that these attacks illustrate Russia’s lack of interest in pursuing peace negotiations.
Zelenskyy also provided insights on Russia’s deployment of approximately **11,000 North Korean troops** along the Ukrainian border, a figure that could rise to **100,000**. During a speech to the **Ukrainian parliament**, he unveiled a “resilience plan” aimed at bolstering defenses against ongoing Russian attacks, projecting pivotal developments in the conflict for the next year.
Ukraine plans to produce **30,000 long-range drones** and aims to manufacture **3,000 long-range missiles** to reduce dependency on Western military aid. A more comprehensive version of this strategy is expected next month.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General **Mark Rutte** indicated that Western nations are contemplating further assistance for Ukraine, particularly in light of the North Korean augmentation of Russian forces.
**European Parliament President Roberta Metsola** led a session commemorating the **one thousand days** of the conflict, highlighting the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst their ongoing struggles.
This report also included contributions from **Lorne Cook** of the **Associated Press** in Brussels.
