(Kursk) – Ukraine has launched its first strikes on Russian territory with Storm Shadow missiles, reportedly targeting an underground command post in the Kursk Oblast linked to both Russian and North Korean military forces.
Ukraine has escalated its military response against Russia, utilizing British-made Storm Shadow missiles for the first time to strike deep inside Russian territory. The attacks were focused on a location in Kursk Oblast, specifically near the Baryatinsky estate, which is currently managed by the Russian Presidential Administration. The target, identified as a “communications hub,” is believed by military analysts to be an underground command post, potentially housing high-ranking officials from both Russian and North Korean military units.
The video footage from the strikes, filmed near the estate, shows the impact of at least a dozen missiles, with explosions observed around the area. Local residents of the nearby village of Maryino reported hearing loud explosions and discovering missile fragments. These strikes occurred in the midst of the ongoing conflict, with Ukrainian forces reportedly firing up to 12 Storm Shadow missiles in one afternoon. The missiles’ 450-kg warheads are designed to target fortified structures, suggesting the importance of the command post within Russia’s military hierarchy.
While some of the strikes could be attributed to Ukrainian forces trying to disrupt Russian military operations in the region, the involvement of North Korean forces adds another layer of complexity. The Kursk Oblast has been a key location for Russian and North Korean military cooperation, with reports indicating that North Korean troops are actively operating alongside Russian forces. It is speculated that high-ranking North Korean generals could have been present at the time of the attack, though this remains unconfirmed.
This move by Ukraine follows a broader shift in Western military policy. Earlier this week, the United States approved the use of ATACMS missiles against Russian targets, a move that likely influenced the UK’s decision to provide Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. The increased use of long-range weapons on Russian soil signals a more aggressive approach by Ukraine, with growing support from Western nations. However, both Ukrainian and British officials have maintained strategic ambiguity regarding the specifics of the strikes, with Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Unierov simply stating that Kyiv will continue to use all means necessary to defend the country.
In addition to the missile strikes, there have been reports of Ukrainian reconnaissance drones operating freely over Russian territory. The drones have reportedly been able to loiter over the target areas without being intercepted by Russian air defenses, further demonstrating Ukraine’s increasing ability to conduct operations deep inside Russia. This development is concerning for Moscow, as it indicates a growing Ukrainian presence in regions that were previously considered secure.
The significance of these strikes cannot be overstated. The Storm Shadow missiles, with their advanced targeting capabilities and large warheads, are an essential part of Ukraine’s strategy to target high-value military infrastructure within Russian territory. The use of these missiles is expected to put further pressure on Russia, particularly in regions like Kursk, where military command posts and critical infrastructure are concentrated.
As of now, no official confirmation has been made by either side regarding the exact targets of the strikes, and much of the information remains speculative. However, the visual evidence of the attacks and the widespread reports of explosions suggest that Ukraine has successfully carried out a significant operation against Russian forces.
Ukraine Targets Underground Command Post in Russia with Storm Shadows (Video)