Media: Ukraine escalates strikes on Russian energy with new “Flamingo” cruise missile

Ukraine is intensifying attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, with the latest development being the deployment of the FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missile, a high-speed, long-range weapon that could significantly increase the impact of Kyiv’s ongoing DeepStrike campaign, The Economist reports.

Since August, Ukraine has targeted key oil refineries, pumping stations, and fuel terminals across Russia, including sites more than 1,300 km from the frontlines. Analysts report that repeated strikes have already disrupted roughly 17–40% of Russia’s oil-refining capacity at various times, driving diesel exports to their lowest level since 2020 and causing widespread fuel shortages, from Vladivostok to Crimea.

While earlier Ukrainian drone attacks—including the FP-1 Fire Point and heavier Lyutyi drones—have caused substantial damage, the Flamingo missile represents a new level of destructiveness. The FP-5 flies just 50 meters above the ground, evading radar, and carries a massive 1,150 kg warhead. With a range of over 3,000 km, it can strike deep into Russian territory, altering the strategic calculus of the war.

Experts note that the FP-5’s speed, low flight altitude, and manoeuvrable trajectory allow it to bypass many of Russia’s weakened air-defence systems. Each missile costs around $500,000 and can be rapidly produced using repurposed Soviet-era turbofan engines and a carbon-fibre fuselage, which takes only six hours to manufacture. Fire Point plans to increase daily production from the current two to three missiles to seven by the end of the month.

“The Russians have a problem. They can’t stop this, and the Ukrainians have no reason to let up,” said British strategist Sir Lawrence Freedman.

By Vugar Khalilov