This week, Ukraine showcased its military capabilities by releasing a video of its domestically produced FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missiles in action. As the conflict nears its four-year mark, Kyiv is intensifying its strikes on Russian military infrastructure.
In a bold move, Ukraine’s military reported using these missiles in an overnight assault from February 11 to 12. The target was a strategic location: a missile, ammunition, and explosives storage facility near Kotluban in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast. This site is part of Russia’s Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, known as GRAU, and is one of the largest ammunition depots utilized by Russian forces.
Reports from Ukrainian officials indicate that the attack resulted in significant explosions and secondary detonations at the site, although the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated.
Footage captured during the operation highlights Ukraine’s deployment of its long-range FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missiles aimed at Russian targets. (East2West)
Meanwhile, Russian authorities have acknowledged activity in the area. Volgograd Governor Andrey Bocharov confirmed that air defenses responded to a missile attack, with falling debris igniting a fire at the military facility near Kotluban. In response to the potential threat of further detonations, nearby residents were evacuated, with buses ready to transport them to temporary shelters, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
The Russian Defense Ministry also referenced the Flamingo missile system, claiming in a state media update that its air defenses successfully intercepted five Flamingo cruise missiles in the past 24 hours. However, the ministry did not provide concrete evidence, and Kyiv has not disclosed how many missiles were actually intercepted.
Footage shows the launch of Ukraine’s homegrown long-range “Flamingo” cruise missiles during a strike on Russian military infrastructure. (East2West)
Ukraine has increasingly highlighted indigenous long-range capabilities, including the FP-5. An East-to-West News agency video report previously cited Ukrainian officials describing the missile’s range as 3,000 kilometers, or about 1,864 miles, and said officials claim accuracy within about 14 meters, though battlefield performance is difficult to independently verify.
In response to a reporter’s question on Friday on the talks between the sides, President Donald Trump put the onus back on President Zelenskyy to make a deal.
“Well, Zelenskyy is going to have to get moving. Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelenskyy is going to have to get moving otherwise, he’s going to miss a great opportunity. He has to move,” he said.
A new round of U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine is expected in Geneva next week, even as fighting persists along the more than 1,200-kilometer front line.
Ukraine fires six FP-5 Flamingo missiles in a night strike on Russia’s 117th GRAU arsenal in Kotluban, Volgograd region. Feb. 11, 2025. (East2West)
Ukrainian officials said Russian attacks across Ukraine continue, saying on Friday that a Russian drone assault on port infrastructure near Odesa killed one person and injured six others, while a separate strike near the eastern front line killed three brothers, including an eight-year-old and wounded their mother and grandmother.
