Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces executed a missile strike overnight, targeting a significant military facility in Russia.
The attack involved FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, which struck a drone and missile production plant located in Cheboksary, within the Chuvash Republic, over 900 kilometers (560 miles) from the front lines.
Local authorities reported three injuries resulting from the strike on the city.
Additionally, Ukraine claimed to have targeted the Moscow-occupied port of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, a Russian oil refinery in Samara, and an oil tanker associated with a “shadow fleet” in the Black Sea.
In recent months, Ukraine’s military has escalated its drone operations against critical infrastructure throughout Russia.
Kyiv maintains that energy facilities are legitimate targets as they support Moscow’s ongoing military efforts. However, missile strikes deep within Russian territory have been infrequent.
The Russian military reported that its air defense units intercepted or shot down 326 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions overnight.
In contrast, Ukraine’s air force stated it successfully downed 181 out of 207 drones launched by Russia during the same period, while acknowledging 21 direct hits in 14 different locations.
Local officials confirmed that at least two individuals were killed and 26 others injured, including two children, across four Ukrainian regions in the last 24 hours.
In a Telegram update on Wednesday, President Zelensky stated: “Overnight, Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingos struck a military facility in Cheboksary that provides components for the occupier’s army’s drones and missiles.”
He also shared video footage purportedly showing a missile en route to its target and smoke rising from the affected site.
Ukraine’s military later confirmed that the VNIIR-Progress plant had been hit and reported a fire at the location.
Oleg Nikolaev, head of the Chuvash Republic, acknowledged that Cheboksary had been impacted but did not specify whether the military facility sustained damage.
The FP-5 Flamingo missile is equipped with a 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs) warhead and boasts a range of 3,000 km, allowing it to reach major cities, including Moscow.
Alongside its Western allies, Ukraine has been actively developing various missile types to increase the costs of Russia’s invasion and compel Moscow to negotiate.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently dismissed all proposals for negotiation.
Last week, he expressed skepticism about meeting Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader sought face-to-face discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.
The Kremlin chief also claimed that Russian forces were making advances across the extensive front line, despite evidence indicating that the situation has remained largely stagnant in recent months.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong