The Kremlin reported that Ukrainian forces, utilizing six U.S.-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), launched an attack into Russian territory on Tuesday. This action follows President Biden’s authorization for such strikes.

Russia intercepted five missiles, with the sixth sustaining damage. Debris from the sixth missile landed near a Russian military facility, resulting in minimal damage and a small fire, with no reported casualties.

This attack occurred two days after the U.S. gave Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles on Russian soil—an escalation previously characterized by Russian President Putin as an act of war.

According to a senior U.S. official, this authorization stemmed from Russia’s reported deployment of 10,000 North Korean soldiers to the Kursk region to fight against Ukraine. Another official indicated uncertainty regarding the potential use of these missiles beyond the Kursk region.

The White House National Security Council responded to Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine announcement on Tuesday. A spokesperson stated that the update was unsurprising, given prior signals from Russia, and that no changes to Russia’s nuclear posture had prompted a corresponding change in U.S. nuclear posture or doctrine.

The statement further characterized Russia’s actions as irresponsible rhetoric, highlighting the significant escalation represented by the use of DPRK soldiers in combat. The U.S. had previously warned of a response to such actions.

This follows reports from Le Figaro that Great Britain and France have authorized Ukraine to use SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles.

Putin previously warned that authorizing Ukraine to use such missiles would represent direct U.S. and NATO involvement in the conflict, stating that only NATO personnel can input flight assignments for these systems and that allowing Ukraine to use them constitutes direct participation in the war.

Meanwhile, a Trump transition team is expected to announce a peace envoy to facilitate negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, following Trump’s campaign promise to resolve the conflict.

‘ Liz Friden contributed to this report.