'No Tomahawks? No Problem': Ukraine Strikes Russian Refinery With Home-Built ‘Flamingo’

Last Updated:November 14, 2025, 20:15 IST

Ukraine used its new Flamingo missile, with a 3,000 km range and a 1,150-kg warhead, to strike a Russian oil refinery, targeting energy infrastructure as war intensifies

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Flamingo as the "most successful missile" in the country's arsenal. (Reuters)

The Russia–Ukraine conflict continued unabated on Thursday night, with both sides exchanging attacks amid no signs of an imminent ceasefire. Ukrainian forces carried out a significant strike on a Russian oil refinery, marking the first combat use of Ukraine’s domestically developed long-range “Flamingo" missile. Airstrikes reportedly targeted multiple sites in Russia and Russian-occupied territories, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.

Alongside the Flamingo, Ukrainian forces deployed several drones and other long-range missiles, successfully hitting dozens of targets, with a particular focus on Russia’s vulnerable energy infrastructure. This marked Ukraine’s fourth major assault on Russian oil facilities, which also included attacks on an oil terminal in Crimea, drone storage sites, a radar station, and command posts and weapon depots in occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia. A video released by Ukraine showed missiles lighting up the night sky as strikes were launched, though officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage.

Russia’s Defence Ministry, cited by the Moscow Times, claimed its air defences intercepted 130 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and other regions but made no mention of missile strikes. Analysts note that Ukraine’s focus on targeting Russia’s energy sector reflects a strategic effort to undermine Russian logistics and fuel supplies.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky described the Flamingo as the “most successful missile" in the country’s arsenal. Produced by Ukrainian company Fire Point, the missile reportedly has a range of up to 3,000 kilometres and carries a 1,150-kg warhead.

Zelensky stated in October that Ukraine had already begun deploying both the Flamingo and Ruta missiles in combat, with domestic missile production accelerated due to delays in Western weapons supplies and restrictions on certain missile systems. Mass production of the Flamingo, originally scheduled for 2026, has now been moved up to late 2025.

The urgency of domestic weapons development was highlighted after the refusal of Tomahawk missile supplies from the United States, reinforcing Ukraine’s need for self-reliance in sustaining its military operations. Ironically, while Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency is investigating Fire Point, the company’s weapons are proving highly effective on the battlefield.

News world 'No Tomahawks? No Problem': Ukraine Strikes Russian Refinery With Home-Built ‘Flamingo’

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