On Tuesday, the Ukrainian armed forces launched projectiles from a U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System battery deeper into Russia's territory than previously permitted. This occurred just days after the White House eased restrictions on its use, amid concerns about escalating the 31-month-long conflict in Eastern Europe.
The long-range weapons platform was deployed from an undisclosed location in Ukraine, firing a reported six to eight missiles at a military facility near the Russian municipality of Karachev.
Responding Russian air defense units said they destroyed five missiles and damaged one before its debris fell within the perimeter of the complex, causing a small fire. The Kremlin did not announce any casualties following the incident.
An unnamed U.S. official told The Associated Press that the incursion involved eight separate munitions, of which only two were intercepted. The source also revealed the Pentagon is currently conducting a battle damage assessment of the strike's location.
In response to the attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin formally lowered his country's protocols on nuclear weapons use, a move he had previously threatened if Kiev used its Western-donated equipment outside of Ukrainian borders.
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