On Tuesday, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that Ukraine launched six US-made ATACMS missiles at the Bryansk region in Russia. This strike occurred just days after US President Joe Biden relaxed restrictions on Ukrainian access to American-made weapons in the ongoing conflict.
Missile Interception and Damage
The Russian military successfully intercepted five of the six Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) fired by Ukraine. One missile was reportedly destroyed before it could reach its target. The debris from the intercepted missiles fell on an unspecified military facility in the region, sparking a fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the incident.
Ukraine’s Claim of Successful Strike
Ukraine’s military claimed responsibility for hitting a military weapons depot in Bryansk during the night. However, the Ukrainian authorities did not specify which weapons were used in the strike. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that several explosions were heard in the targeted area, suggesting the attack was significant.
US Eases Restrictions on Missile Use
The missile strike follows a significant shift in US policy. President Biden authorized the use of long-range missiles supplied to Ukraine, allowing them to strike deeper into Russian territory. This move eases previous restrictions on the use of American-made weapons in the war.
Russia’s Response and Growing Tensions
Russian officials have voiced strong opposition to the US decision, stating that it marks a new phase of tension in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a revised nuclear doctrine on Tuesday, which declares that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be considered a joint attack on Russia.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What missiles did Ukraine use to strike the Bryansk region?
a) Scud missiles
b) ATACMS missiles
c) Cruise missiles
d) S-400 missiles
Answer: b) ATACMS missiles
2. How many ATACMS missiles did the Russian military successfully intercept?
a) Three
b) Four
c) Five
d) Six
Answer: c) Five
3. What was the result of the intercepted missiles falling on a military facility?
a) The missiles caused significant casualties
b) The missiles caused a fire but no casualties
c) The missiles caused major destruction to the facility
d) The missiles exploded mid-air
Answer: b) The missiles caused a fire but no casualties
4. What was Ukraine’s claim regarding the missile strike on Bryansk?
a) It targeted a civilian area
b) It destroyed an airbase
c) It hit a military weapons depot
d) It targeted a Russian power plant
Answer: c) It hit a military weapons depot
5. What recent action did President Biden take regarding Ukraine’s access to US weapons?
a) He increased restrictions on weapon usage
b) He provided new weapons systems to Ukraine
c) He allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to strike deeper into Russia
d) He withdrew all weapons support for Ukraine
Answer: c) He allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to strike deeper into Russia
6. What did President Putin declare in his revised nuclear doctrine?
a) Russia would no longer use nuclear weapons
b) A conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be treated as a joint attack
c) Russia would retreat from all nuclear treaties
d) Russia would provide nuclear support to Ukraine
Answer: b) A conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power would be treated as a joint attack