Ukraine Conducts Strikes on Russian Targets Using Domestically Produced Missiles and Drones

Latest Developments

Strikes on Several Dozen Targets: Ukraine’s General Staff announced that Ukrainian forces had used the domestically produced Flamingo missile, along with other missiles and drones, in a series of long-range strikes in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine and Russia on November 13. According to the statement, the strikes used a combination of Flamingo and Bars missiles and Liutyi drones to strike “several dozen” targets to reduce Russia’s “military-economic and offensive potential.” The Flamingo ground-launched subsonic cruise missile, which was unveiled in August, has a claimed range of 1,862 miles. The Bars cruise missile, introduced in April, has a reported range of approximately 500 miles.
Oil and Energy Facilities Targeted: In Russian-occupied Crimea, the targets included the Morskoy Oil Terminal, helicopter landing and drone storage sites at Kirovske airfield, and an air defense radar station in Yevpatoria, the General Staff said. In Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, the strikes reportedly targeted an oil depot in Berdyansk and forward command posts of the 5th Combined Arms Army and the 127th Motorized Rifle Division. The General Staff also announced strikes within Russia but stated that it was still assessing the extent of the damage. Multiple explosions were reportedly heard in the western Russian city of Oryol, where photos showed damage to the Oryol Thermal Power Plant.
Kenyans Tricked Into Service in Russian Military: Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi revealed an ongoing recruitment effort by Russia targeting Kenyan citizens, noting that approximately 200 Kenyans, including former members of Kenyan security forces, are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. “Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, including Kenyans,” Mudavadi said. According to the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, fighters reported being promised up to $18,000 to cover visa, travel, and accommodation costs. In September, Ukrainian forces captured a Kenyan athlete who claimed that he was tricked into joining the Russian army.

FDD Expert Response

“Ukraine is conducting lawful long-range strikes against legitimate military and defense-related logistic targets. These domestically produced missiles are placing a cost on Russia’s warfighting enterprise. This is in contrast with the Russian long-range strikes that recklessly target civilian populations and infrastructure in a failing terror campaign.” — RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow and Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology

“Despite wartime challenges, Ukraine continues to improve its indigenous long-range strike capabilities. The United States should do its part to bolster those capabilities too, including by providing as many additional ballistic and cruise missiles as possible. This can help Ukraine blunt the Russian assault and impose higher costs on Moscow, ultimately providing more leverage to achieve peace.” — John Hardie, Russia Program Deputy Director

“Putin started this unprovoked war of conquest, and he could end it today, but he has not done so because he believes the benefits still outweigh the costs. Putin’s invasion and brutal assault upon both the people of Ukraine and vital transatlantic interests will continue until that changes, and increased Ukrainian long-range strikes could help shift his cost-benefit analysis.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center of Military and Political Power