Full Breakdown
Ukraine Launches Coordinated Strikes Using New Long-Range Flamingo Missiles
11/13/2025, 8:37:00 PM
Overview of the Strikes
In the early hours of November 13, 2025, Ukraine executed a series of long-range strikes targeting Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and within Russian territory, particularly the city of Oryol. The operation involved the use of domestically produced long-range weapons, including the newly developed Flamingo cruise missiles, Bars missiles, and Liutyi drones. Ukrainian forces reported hitting "several dozen" military and logistical targets as part of their ongoing campaign to degrade Russia's military capabilities.
Details of the Attack
The strikes were confirmed by Ukraine's General Staff, which stated that the Flamingo missile has a range of up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and carries a warhead weighing approximately 1,150 kilograms. Targets in Crimea included the Morskoy Neftyanoy Terminal oil storage facility, helicopter parking areas, and drone storage sites at Kirovske airfield, as well as an air-defense radar station near Yevpatoria. In the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian forces targeted an oil depot near Berdyansk and command posts of Russia’s 5th Combined Arms Army and the 127th Motor Rifle Division.
Local reports from Oryol indicated multiple explosions, with debris falling into residential areas. The governor of Oryol Oblast, Andrey Klychkov, noted that Russian air defenses attempted to intercept the missiles, resulting in debris landing near apartment buildings.
Official Statements & Responses
Ukraine's General Staff emphasized that the strikes were part of a broader strategy to weaken Russian military logistics and infrastructure. They confirmed the use of various long-range strike systems, including the Flamingo, Bars, and Liutyi. The extent of damage from the strikes is still being assessed, with no casualties reported thus far.
In contrast, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that its air defense systems had destroyed 130 Ukrainian drones during the same period, although they did not provide visual confirmation of these claims.
Criticism & Opposition
The use of the Flamingo missile has not been without controversy. The manufacturer, Fire Point, is currently under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) for allegedly inflating the value of components or the number of drones delivered to the military. Fire Point has acknowledged the investigation but denied any wrongdoing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Ukrainian sources confirm the successful strikes and the use of Flamingo missiles, Russian authorities have downplayed the impact, asserting that their air defenses effectively neutralized many threats. There is a lack of independent verification regarding the extent of damage and the effectiveness of the Russian air defense response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To conduct complex strikes, Ukraine employs attack UAVs, loitering munitions, and various types of missiles.” — Ukraine’s General Staff
- “‘Oryol-on-the-swamps’ didn’t sleep last night either—it was trying to fend off our Flamingo missiles with a very interesting message,” — Mykolaiv regional governor Vitaliy Kim
This coordinated strike marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's military capabilities and its willingness to target deep within Russian territory, reflecting ongoing tensions in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
