Russia confirms ATACMS strike on its military sites

 The Ministry claimed that S-400 and Pantsir air-defense systems “shot down” all ATACMS missiles, and “no civilians were harmed.”

"The launch site was identified near the settlement of Voloska Balakliya in Kharkiv Oblast, and two launchers were destroyed using Iskander-M missiles,"

Earlier on Nov. 18, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that Ukrainian forces conducted a precision ATACMS strike on Russian military facilities.

The General Staff described the operation as a “landmark event” and stressed that the use of long-range weapons, including ATACMS, will continue.

Earlier reports from the Russian Telegram channel Astra said explosions were heard over Voronezh, with local air defenses activated. Russia’s Interfax agency also claimed several aerial targets were intercepted.

The Fighterbomber Telegram channel reported that Voronezh was under attack by “ballistic missiles,” with estimates ranging from three to six rockets.

Ukraine first used ATACMS against Russian military targets in November 2024, striking the 67th arsenal of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Main Missile and Artillery Directorate in Bryansk Oblast.

On Nov. 25, the White House confirmed that Ukraine was using U.S. ATACMS missiles to strike Russian targets in Kursk Oblast.

In January 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that long-range missiles enabled Ukraine to destroy Russian ammunition depots, command centers, and military equipment.