The Times has learned the possible number of ATACMS missiles at Ukraine's disposal

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) has about 50 US ATACMS long-range missiles at its disposal. This was reported by the British newspaper The Times on November 19.

"Although the Pentagon has not provided any figures, it is believed that the Kiev government currently has only about 50 missiles," the article said.

It is specified that these missiles remain in short supply due to limited supplies. At the same time, the AFU has a sufficient number of launchers.

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Earlier, on November 19, the Defense Ministry said that the S-400 air defense missile systems and Pantsir air defense missile and cannon systems in the Bryansk region shot down five ATACMS missiles fired by the AFU and damaged another one. The wreckage of the latter fell on the territory of the military facility, without casualties or damage.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved an updated Russian nuclear doctrine. Among the grounds for the use of such weapons by Russia in the document is a response to the use of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction against the country and its allies. In addition, Russia may launch a nuclear strike if an attack threatening territorial integrity is launched against it or Belarus.

In turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, responding to Izvestia's question, said that the strike carried out by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with ATACMS missiles is a signal that the West wants to escalate the conflict.

The AFU is trying to strike Russian territories against the background of the special operation in Donbass, the start of which was announced on February 24, 2022. The decision was taken due to the aggravation of the situation in the region due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.