Ukraine's Historic Missile Strike Signals Shift in Conflict

In a historic event on November 18th, Ukraine launched its first ballistic missile strike on a Russian arms depot, located roughly 70 miles across the border. This attack utilized American-made Army Tactical Missiles, marking a critical moment in the Ukrainian defense strategy. Until recently, Ukrainian forces had been limited in their use of these tactical weapons, only allowed to target areas within Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. However, following President Biden lifting these restrictions, Ukrainian forces quickly employed the missiles on the battlefield. This strategic strike aims to relieve pressure on Ukrainian forces who are currently on the defensive, with some even retreating amidst escalating Russian bombardments. Analysts suggest that while no single weapon will dictate the war's outcome, these missile strikes could compel Russia to engage in negotiations. Meanwhile, the U.S. administration is racing to allocate $7 billion in security assistance before the impending change in leadership, amid concerns that the new administration might alter support for Ukraine. The next few months are anticipated to be intensely violent, reflecting the ongoing evolution of weaponry and Russia's intensified military action, which aims to undermine Ukrainian statehood and morale.