Ukraine Attack on Bryansk Region

Ukraine Attack on Bryansk Region

Ukraine launched six U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) at the Bryansk region of Russia, according to a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry. Ukraine has claimed to have hit a military weapons depot, but the specific weapons used have not been disclosed. The Ukrainian General Staff reported explosions and detonations in the targeted area.

Russian Defense Ministry Statement

The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed to have shot down five ATACMS missiles and damaged another. The ministry reported that fragments of the missiles landed in an unspecified military facility, sparking a fire but causing no damage or casualties. Independent verification of the claims from both sides is not possible.

Biden Policy Shift

The attack occurred days after U.S. President Joe Biden eased restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American-made weapons. This policy shift followed Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops in the conflict.

Civilian Casualties

On the same day as the Bryansk attack, Ukrainian officials reported a third strike in three days on a civilian residential area in Ukraine. A Shahed drone strike in the northern Sumy region killed at least 12 people, including a child, and wounded 11 others, including two children. Authorities have indicated that more victims may be trapped under the rubble.

War on the Battlefield

Ukrainian civilians have endured repeated Russian drone and missile attacks throughout the war. On the battlefield, Ukraine faces significant pressure along the approximately 1,000-kilometer front line, where its army is outnumbered and outgunned.

Recent Russian Strikes

In recent days, Russia has launched several attacks on Ukrainian cities. On Sunday, a Russian ballistic missile with cluster munitions struck a residential area of Sumy, killing 11 and wounding 84. On Monday, a Russian missile barrage sparked apartment fires in Odesa, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and 43 injuries.

Zelenskyy’s Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the series of Russian airstrikes, stating that they demonstrate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lack of interest in ending the war. “Each new attack by Russia only confirms Putin’s true intentions. He wants the war to continue. Talks about peace are not interesting to him. We must force Russia to a just peace by force,” Zelenskyy said.