Ukraine could have struck Putin-related target with Storm Shadow missile in Kursk region - Defense Express

As the news agency notes, if Ukraine indeed used Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory, it did not strike a simple target. In the Kursk region, there may be an object associated with the command of the Russian army group, along with North Korean generals.

In particular, a video has appeared online from the settlement of Mariine. The footage captures a series of sounds resembling explosions. What is noteworthy is that the video was filmed near the historical Barayatsky estate. Currently, this building functions as a resort, which is under the authority of the Russian President's Affairs Administration.

According to unconfirmed information, the target being struck is in the eastern part of the resort, and reports are suggesting that it houses a military facility, possibly a "communications node."

Defense Express points out that this may not be a regular communications facility, but rather an underground command post. Considering all the details, it is likely that the Russian military command in the Kursk region was using it. Additionally, North Korean generals might have been present there.

According to Defense Express, the presence of the command in this location may have made it a target for the Storm Shadow missiles. These missiles are designed to target such facilities, as their 450 kg warhead is specifically designed to strike protected objects.

Storm Shadow for Ukraine

The UK provided Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles last year. These missiles, with a range of up to 300 km, were adapted for use on modernized Ukrainian Su-24M aircraft. However, Ukrainian forces were previously prohibited from using them to strike Russian territory. The last known use of these missiles was recorded by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on October 5, when three enemy command posts were targeted.

Recently, sources told RBC-Ukraine that both the UK and France allowed the use of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles for strikes on targets in the Kursk region. At the same time, The Times reported that the US gave its consent for Storm Shadow missile strikes deep into Russian territory, as these missiles are made with components from US manufacturers.

Additionally, on November 19, according to sources, ATACMS missiles were used for the first time to strike a target in the Bryansk region. Today, Bloomberg reported that Ukraine has for the first time launched long-range Storm Shadow missiles at military targets in Russia.