(KYIV) – Ukrainian forces are increasingly striking Russian military infrastructure using domestically produced cruise missiles, according to defence analysts and former diplomats monitoring the war.
Former British diplomat Cormac Smith, speaking on the Frontline programme produced by Times Radio, said Ukrainian developed “Flamingo” cruise missiles are beginning to have a significant battlefield impact.
Smith said he had heard multiple reports that the missile system is achieving “big successes” against Russian targets.
“I have heard a number of reports of big successes that they are having with their own Ukrainian made cruise missile. The Flamingo,” he said.
According to Smith, the missile has a warhead roughly twice the size of those supplied by Western partners and a range that can reach up to four times farther.
“The Flamingo has a warhead twice the size of the stuff that we give them and a range about up to four times as long,” he said.
Although he noted the system may not match Western missiles in stealth or precision, he said its operational effect appears increasingly visible.
“It may not be as stealthy or as accurate, but the Ukrainians are starting to have a very big effect with it.”
Smith said Ukrainian forces have recently targeted locations across occupied Crimea and other Russian military facilities.
“They have been hammering places like Sochi recently. They have been hammering Crimea recently. They have been hitting armaments factories. They have been having a lot of success,” he said.
The comments come as Ukraine continues to expand long range strike capabilities against Russian military infrastructure, including electronics plants and facilities involved in missile production.
Recent reports have also indicated that British and French supplied Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles have been used to strike Russian defence industry sites that produce components for advanced weapons.
Military analysts say the campaign reflects Kyiv’s strategy of targeting Russian supply chains, logistics hubs and weapons production centres far behind the front line.
The strikes come as the war reaches day 1,479 since the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin launched his full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
While global attention has recently shifted to tensions in the Middle East, analysts say the war in Ukraine continues to evolve militarily, with Kyiv increasing pressure on Russian forces through long range strikes and tactical operations along the front.
Smith said Ukrainian battlefield momentum has been supported by growing technological innovation and battlefield adaptation.
“Yes, there is a sea change,” he said. “Ukraine cannot do this on her own. They need our support.”
He added that Western countries still need to provide stronger military support and maintain pressure on Russia through sanctions.
“I have always said arm Ukraine to the teeth and sanction Russia back to the stone age. We have never properly done that,” Smith said.
He also warned that Ukraine’s resistance has bought time for Western countries to strengthen their defences.
“The Ukrainians have given us four years with their blood,” he said. “They have given us four years to rearm.”
Smith argued that Ukraine’s war effort is not only about defending its own territory but also about protecting wider European security.
“They are fighting to protect the rest of Europe,” he said.
He said the Ukrainian people continue to demonstrate resilience despite heavy losses.
“They are an incredibly resilient people. But they are human like you and me. They bleed and they die like you and me,” Smith said.
“I do not know a single Ukrainian who has not lost somebody.”
