Russia warns of escalation of conflict as West allows Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles

After Ukraine used six missiles believed to be American ATACMS long-range surface-to-surface missiles to attack Russia's Bryansk province on the night of November 19, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said this was a signal that the West wanted to "escalate the conflict."

Speaking after attending the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lavrov stressed that Ukraine would not be able to use this high-tech missile without US support.

He also echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin's words that Moscow's position would change if the West supported extending the strike range to 300km.

In addition, Mr. Lavrov assessed that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's position on this issue was responsible. Previously, Mr. Scholz reaffirmed Berlin's stance on not providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on November 19 that the Ukrainian armed forces launched six ATACMS ballistic missiles into Bryansk province. Data confirmed that these were US-made ATACMS tactical missiles.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that its Pantsir and S-400 air defense systems shot down five missiles and damaged one.

Missile fragments fell on the area of ​​a military facility in Bryansk Oblast, causing a fire that was promptly extinguished. The attack caused no casualties or damage.

Ukraine also confirmed an attack on a military weapons depot in Bryansk overnight but did not specify the type of weapon.