Ukraine hits key Russian chemical depot in 'huge Storm Shadow' missile attack
The long-range air-to-air missiles were fired into a chemical plant in the Bryansk region of Russia, with footage showing a huge fire erupting from an industrial complex
It has been revealed that Ukraine used British Storm Shadow cruise missiles to penetrate Russian air defenses and strike a facility in the invading country. The Ukrainian military reports that the long-range air-to-air missiles were launched to target a chemical plant in Russia's Bryansk region, suspected of producing crucial supplies for Russia's war effort.
The operation was executed late on Tuesday, with Ukraine's Air Force collaborating with its Navy, Land Forces, and other military units. "A massive combined missile-and-air strike was carried out, including air-launched Storm Shadow missiles that penetrated Russia's air defense system," stated Ukraine's General Staff of the Armed Forces.
The statement described the targeted plant as a "key facility" manufacturing gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel, all used by the Russian military in its attacks on Ukraine. Video footage showed a massive fire erupting from an industrial complex.
Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of Bryansk Oblast, also known as Bryanshchina, posted on the messaging platform Telegram that Ukraine was attacking the region with drones and missiles. He noted that there were no reported injuries or damage from the attack.
However, it should be noted that Russia seldom reports any damage inflicted by Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, reports the Express.
The Russian Defense Ministry claims that its air defenses shot down 57 Ukrainian drones over the region in western European Russia within a span of four hours.
Storm Shadow, a British-French cruise missile, boasts a maximum range of 155 miles. Launched from an aircraft, it soars close to the ground at nearly the speed of sound (600 mph), guided by GPS before descending to detonate its hefty 990lb high-explosive warhead.
Each missile carries a hefty price tag of almost $1 million (£767,000), making it a strategic choice in a carefully orchestrated barrage of more cost-effective drones designed to confuse and tire enemy air defenses.
Produced by MBDA, this cruise missile is seen as the perfect weapon for penetrating fortified bunkers and high-value facilities like the one reportedly hit in Bryansk.
As per BBC reports, Ukraine first deployed Storm Shadow missiles against targets within Russia late last year.
This recent attack follows the US's approval for Ukraine to use American long-range missiles, ATACMS, against Russia in November of the previous year. In the same month, the UK gave Ukraine the go-ahead to launch Storm Shadow missiles at Russia.
Russia also initiated an overnight assault, heavily bombarding Ukraine's capital Kyiv and other regions of the embattled country. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the harsh missile and drone attacks ignited fires across multiple districts.
As air defense systems intercepted the ballistic missiles, debris rained down on the city, igniting cars and shattering windows.
The assault, which involved Kyiv being struck by no fewer than four ballistic missiles, resulted in the deaths of six individuals across the city's broader area, including a six-month-old infant, a woman and a 12 year old girl.
The strike also triggered nationwide power outages as it hit energy infrastructure along with residential properties.
Just hours prior to the attacks, the White House revealed that planned discussions between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Hungary had been canceled, after Russia declined to back down from its "maximalist" demands.