ALBAWABA- Ukraine has confirmed its first use of U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against targets inside mainland Russia.
According to Kyiv’s General Staff, the strikes hit the Pogonovo military training ground and troop concentrations positioned for deployment to the front.
Ukrainian officials described the operation as a “precision response” to Russia’s November 17–18 missile and drone attacks that killed 26 civilians and injured 139 across multiple regions. Russia stated that all incoming missiles were intercepted by its S-400 and Pantsir air-defense systems, saying debris caused minor civilian damage but no casualties.
The strike comes after President Trump lifted restrictions on long-range Ukrainian use of U.S. weapons in late 2024, reversing a Biden-era policy that limited ATACMS to occupied territories.
It also coincides with intensified Russian operations in Donetsk’s Pokrovsk sector, where recent foggy weather has aided Moscow’s advances despite ongoing Ukrainian defensive actions and evacuations of wounded troops.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators held talks in Geneva on November 23–24, producing a revised 19-point peace framework. Officials from both sides reported “significant progress” toward a potential settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty.
U.S. President Trump hinted at positive developments, suggesting a deal could be possible by Thanksgiving, though President Zelenskyy has reiterated that territorial concessions, such as ceding Donbas, remain off the table.
Kremlin sources have dismissed what they call unrealistic Ukrainian demands, though President Putin has signaled conditional openness following consultations with senior advisers.
With Trump and Zelenskyy expected to engage in direct negotiations, the proposed framework tests fragile ceasefire prospects amid ongoing tensions and heightened concern across Europe about NATO’s long-term role.
