Ukrainian forces have achieved a significant milestone by striking a Russian military air base using the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) supplied by the United States for the first time. This development comes shortly after the easing of restrictions on weapons aid to Ukraine. The geospatial intelligence group Cyber Boroshno reported that the strike occurred on November 25, targeting the Kursk Vostochny air base located in western Russia.
The ATACMS missile, which is designed with cluster warheads, effectively detonated its payload over the airfield. Preliminary analysis of satellite imagery suggests that the missile hit a parking lot, but it is currently unclear whether Russian combat aircraft were present there during the attack. Accompanying video footage shared by Cyber Boroshno shows multiple missile strikes, indicating at least five ATACMS were launched, along with two attacks directed at a nearby S-400 missile defense position that was reportedly attempting to intercept the incoming missiles.
While Moscow has yet to officially confirm the attack, reports from a Russian blogger with links to the air force have supported claims of ballistic missile strikes at the base. The incident underscores the escalation of hostilities in the ongoing conflict and highlights Ukraine’s enhanced capability to strike deeper into Russian territory following recent shifts in U.S. policy on arms supplies.
This attack follows President Joe Biden’s authorization on November 17, which allowed Ukraine to utilize its American-supplied weapons for long-range strikes inside Russia. This decision came amidst growing pressure from allies and global leaders to enable Ukraine to counter Russia’s military actions more effectively. Historically, the U.S. had been cautious about permitting such actions due to concerns regarding the potential escalation of the conflict and the risk of Russia analyzing the advanced American weaponry.
In earlier related events, the Biden administration had temporarily lifted restrictions in May, allowing Ukrainian forces to engage targets in Russian-occupied territories. This eased approach resulted in Ukraine deploying the ATACMS against critical Russian military assets, including strategic radar installations and munitions depots. Notably, just a day after the recent authorization, Ukraine executed its first long-range ATACMS strike against the 67th arsenal of the Russian Ministry of Defence on November 18, further amplifying the tense battlefield dynamics.
