Ukraine Strikes Major Russian Ammunition Depot with Domestically Made ‘Flamingo’ Missiles Amid Diplomatic Pressure
KIEV, Ukraine — In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces launched domestically produced FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missiles at a major Russian ammunition depot located near Kotluban in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast. The overnight strike on February 11-12 targeted a critical arsenal belonging to Russia’s Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, known as GRAU, which is considered one of the largest ammunition storage hubs utilized by Russian forces.
Video footage released this week vividly shows the launch of the long-range Flamingo missiles, marking a notable advancement in Kyiv’s strike capabilities nearly four years into the war. Ukrainian military officials reported that the attack triggered powerful explosions and secondary detonations at the site, though the full extent of the damage remains under assessment.
Russian regional authorities confirmed an incident at a Defense Ministry facility in the area. Volgograd Governor Andrey Bocharov acknowledged the attack, underscoring the vulnerability of Russian military infrastructure deep within its territory. The strike represents a strategic blow to Russia’s logistical operations, potentially disrupting ammunition supplies to frontline units.
As the conflict intensifies on the battlefield, diplomatic efforts continue to unfold. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to expedite negotiations for a peace deal, stating, “Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelenskyy is going to have to get moving, otherwise he’s going to miss a great opportunity.” This statement adds a complex layer to the ongoing war, highlighting international pressure on Kyiv to consider diplomatic resolutions.
The use of the FP-5 Flamingo missile, developed and produced within Ukraine, underscores the country’s growing self-reliance in military technology. The missile’s long-range precision strike capability allows Ukrainian forces to target critical Russian military assets far beyond the frontline, signaling a shift in operational dynamics. For more on Ukraine’s defense advancements, see the U.S. Department of Defense reports.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians and military personnel alike. Recent Russian attacks, including a devastating strike on Kharkiv that wiped out a young family, have drawn international condemnation. The ongoing hostilities have also prompted responses from global organizations such as the United Nations, which continues to call for de-escalation and humanitarian access.
The strategic targeting of Russian ammunition depots marks a shift in Ukraine’s campaign to weaken Moscow’s warfighting capacity. Analysts note that disrupting supply chains is critical to undermining Russian offensive operations. The strike near Kotluban may foreshadow further deep strikes into Russian-held territory.
For updates on the conflict and official statements, the U.S. Department of State provides ongoing diplomatic briefings and policy updates. Additionally, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization continues to monitor the situation closely, offering support to Ukraine and coordinating allied responses.
As Kyiv balances military pressure with diplomatic overtures, the international community watches closely for signs of a breakthrough or further escalation. The deployment of indigenous missile technology like the Flamingo reflects Ukraine’s determination to assert control over its defense strategy amid complex geopolitical challenges.
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