In a single night in June 2026, Ukrainian missiles flew more than 900km into Russian territory and hit a factory that makes components for the drones and missiles Moscow uses to attack Ukraine. The strike on the VNIIR-Progress plant in Cheboksary was part of a broader offensive that also set an oil refinery ablaze and damaged a tanker in the Black Sea. It was a vivid demonstration of how Ukraine is increasingly taking the war to Russia, using its own long-range weapons to hit military and energy targets far from the front line.
For most of Russia's full-scale invasion, launched in 2022, Ukraine focused on defending its own territory. But in recent months it has stepped up attacks on Russian soil, targeting key facilities that support the Kremlin's war effort. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on 10 June 2026 that Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles had struck the Cheboksary plant, which produces antennas used in Shahed attack drones, Kalibr cruise missiles and Iskander-M ballistic missiles. The same attack also hit the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery in the Samara region, a facility that processes around 3.7 million tonnes of oil a year and supplies fuel to Russia's military-industrial complex. Another strike damaged an oil tanker in the Black Sea. The Russian defence ministry said it intercepted or shot down 326 drones over several regions that night; Ukraine admitted 21 direct hits in 14 locations.
“Ukraine's long-range missile strikes on Russian military and energy targets explained.”
The FP-5 Flamingo is a Ukrainian-made cruise missile with a reported range of up to 3,000km and a warhead of up to 1,150kg. First publicly shown in August 2025, it puts Moscow and other major Russian cities within reach. Its manufacturer, Fire Point, has also developed a ballistic missile interceptor, the FP7.X. Ukraine has used the Flamingo only rarely, but the Cheboksary strike was its most prominent use yet. The missile is a symbol of Ukraine's growing domestic weapons industry, built with support from Western allies but designed to operate independently.
Why does this matter for UK readers? The strikes show that Russia is no longer a sanctuary from which it can attack Ukraine with impunity. As the war grinds on, Ukraine's ability to hit deep inside Russian territory changes the calculus on both sides. It raises the cost for Moscow, potentially forcing it to divert resources to defend its own infrastructure. For the UK, a key backer of Ukraine, the development underscores the importance of continuing military aid and the risks of escalation. Energy disruptions in Russia could also affect global oil markets, with knock-on effects on UK fuel prices. Moreover, the conflict's dynamics matter for European security: a prolonged war threatens stability on the continent and keeps pressure on NATO allies.
Q: What are Ukraine's long-range missiles and how did they get them? The FP-5 Flamingo is a Ukrainian-made cruise missile developed by the company Fire Point. It has a range of up to 3,000km and a warhead weight of up to 1,150kg. Ukraine has also received long-range missiles from Western allies, but the Flamingo is domestically produced, giving Kyiv more control over its use.
Q: Why is Ukraine attacking targets deep inside Russia? Ukraine says these are legitimate military targets because they supply Russia's armed forces with fuel, drones and missiles. By striking oil refineries and weapons plants, Kyiv aims to disrupt Moscow's ability to wage war and increase the economic and political cost of the invasion.
Q: How has Russia responded to these attacks? Russia has condemned the strikes and claimed to intercept many of Ukraine's missiles and drones. Militarily, it has continued its own aerial attacks on Ukraine, firing 207 drones on the night of the Cheboksary strike. Politically, President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for negotiations and insists Russian forces are advancing along the front line, though the front has been largely static for months.
What happens next? Ukraine is likely to keep using its long-range capability, especially as it develops more missiles. The Flamingo's success may encourage further domestic production. Russia will probably try to adapt its air defences and hit back harder against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled: Putin has refused to meet Zelensky, and Ukraine says protection from Russian strikes is a prerequisite for peace talks. The war shows no sign of ending soon, and long-range strikes will remain a key tool for Ukraine to shift the balance.