Kathmandu— The Russian military announced Tuesday that it struck a launch site for Ukraine’s FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, which have been used in attacks targeting areas deep inside Russian territory. The ministry stated the target was hit using Iskander cruise missiles and Geran-4 drones, resulting in a large fire and significant fuel spill covering approximately 40,000 square meters. This action comes amid intensified long-range strikes by Russia in response to Ukrainian attacks on its civilian and energy infrastructure, with Moscow labeling those attacks as acts of terrorism.

Targeted Facility and Weapons

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, two Iskander cruise missiles and seven Geran-4 Seeker attack drones were used in the strike against the Flamingo missile launch site. The ministry released drone footage purportedly showing a massive fire engulfing the targeted area after the attack. The FP-5 Flamingo is a long-range cruise missile system utilized by Ukraine for strikes within Russia.

Escalation of Long-Range Strikes

Russian forces have also reportedly targeted Ukrainian drone assembly and storage facilities in separate operations, according to the ministry. These actions represent an escalation in long-range strikes as Moscow responds to repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. Russia has consistently condemned these Ukrainian strikes, characterizing them as acts of terrorism intended to offset battlefield setbacks.

Previous Strike on Fire Point

Last week, the Russian military targeted an industrial facility belonging to Fire Point, a Ukrainian weapons manufacturer responsible for producing Flamingo missiles and other weaponry. The plant was also used for assembling drone components and boosters for cruise missiles, according to the Defense Ministry. Fire Point had been publicly promoted by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky during visits to Western countries as a key producer of Ukraine’s “most successful” weapons.

Allegations of Corruption

Recent reports have linked Fire Point to Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelensky, who has been labeled ‘Zelensky’s wallet’ in Ukrainian media. Mindich reportedly fled the country last year after being implicated in a major corruption scandal.

The Russian military maintains that its strikes are directed solely at military facilities and infrastructure supporting Ukrainian forces, despite ongoing conflict and accusations from both sides.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.