For the first time, Ukrainian bombers reportedly fired 10 Storm Shadow missiles at a site in Maryino, a town in Kursk Oblast, on Wednesday. This follows authorization by the U.S., U.K., and France for Ukraine to strike Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range missiles, including the U.K.-made Storm Shadow.
The development was confirmed to Reuters by an official, on condition of anonymity. Officials believe the target was a high-value military facility, possibly an underground command center housing both Russian officers and North Korean personnel.
CNN also corroborated reports through expert analysis of missile fragments photographed near the Russian village of Marino, 35 miles from the border. While the footage does not definitively attribute the explosions to Storm Shadows, analysts noted no indications of other munition types being involved.
Kursk region use of Storm Shadow.
Up to 12 Storm Shadow missiles were launched at the region, fragments of which are in the photo in the village of Maryino. US dropped its objections to the use of Storm Shadow missiles. UK storm shadow missiles attack Russia. Putin silent. pic.twitter.com/vKp3TqiAwb— Mr.J5 (@GreenZombies555) November 21, 2024
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Video of the first Ukrainian 🇺🇦 strike using UK 🇬🇧 Storm Shadow cruise missiles inside Russia
At least 10 Storm Shadow cruise missiles can be seen striking the target in Marino, Kursk, reportedly an underground command post with Russian and potentially North Korean 🇰🇵 commanders pic.twitter.com/1tQaGhvtuB
— Ukraine Battle Map (@ukraine_map) November 20, 2024
The U.K. and France had previously supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, known for their precision and ability to destroy hardened targets like underground bunkers. However, the countries had restricted their use, citing concerns over escalating the conflict and the potential for Russian retaliation. The lifting of the restriction follows reports of Russia deploying thousands of North Korean troops to the Kursk region and intensifying military offensives.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov declined to directly confirm the use of Storm Shadow missiles but highlighted Ukraine’s increasing ability to respond to Russian aggression. “We are using all the means to defend our country,” Umerov said during a press conference.
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated on Thursday that its air defenses intercepted two Storm Shadow missiles and several HIMARS rockets during the strikes. However, no evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. Moscow has criticized Western nations for their support of Ukraine’s military operations, with President Vladimir Putin warning that Russia would retaliate against countries providing advanced weaponry to Kyiv.
Ukraine’s use of the Storm Shadow missiles follows the firing of U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russia by its forces. The strike targeted ammunition depots and logistics hubs critical to Russian military operations.
