Ukraine conducts first confirmed Storm Shadow missile strike on Russian territory.

As reported by the BBC on November 20, 2024, Ukraine has conducted a large-scale missile attack on the Russian Kursk region, reportedly using Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The strike marks the first confirmed use of these weapons on Russian territory. Video evidence from the village of Maryino recorded the sounds of explosions, with missile fragments recovered from the site displaying markings consistent with Storm Shadow missiles. This attack, involving up to 12 missiles, reportedly targeted a military facility with strategic importance, believed to house a buried command post used by Russian forces and possibly North Korean military personnel.
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Storm Shadow missiles, also known as Scalp-EG, have previously been employed in Ukraine within national borders and in Russian-occupied territories, including a strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Crimea. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Storm Shadow missiles, developed jointly by France and the United Kingdom, are known for their ability to engage hardened targets with precision. The missiles, also known as Scalp-EG, carry a 450-kilogram BROACH warhead designed to penetrate fortified structures before detonating an explosive payload. They have previously been employed in Ukraine within national borders and in Russian-occupied territories, including a strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Crimea. This event, however, is the first verified use of the missile inside Russia.

The attack follows a shift in policy by Western nations regarding the use of long-range weapons. The United States recently approved Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles on Russian territory, and similar clearance for Storm Shadow missiles reportedly followed. These policy changes reflect evolving support among Ukraine's allies for strikes beyond its borders. The use of these missiles aligns with Ukraine’s stated objective to target key Russian military infrastructure supporting its invasion.

Russian sources reported at least 15 explosions in the area, some attributed to Russian air defense systems attempting to intercept the missiles. Despite these efforts, evidence suggests the strike achieved its objective. Russian officials condemned the use of Western-supplied weapons against targets deep within Russian territory, warning of potential escalatory consequences.

The attack reportedly targeted a buried command post near the Baryatinsky estate, a site repurposed as a sanatorium under the Russian Presidential Directorate. This location is believed to be a communications hub and possibly a temporary base for high-ranking military personnel, including North Korean officers deployed to the region. The strategic nature of the site may explain the concentrated use of missiles during this operation.

Neither the United Kingdom nor Ukraine has officially confirmed the operation. Ukrainian officials have emphasized their right to defend the country using all available resources but have refrained from commenting on specific strikes for security reasons. Similarly, UK officials have maintained operational secrecy regarding the use of Storm Shadow missiles, highlighting the need to avoid public disclosures that could benefit Russian forces.

The Storm Shadow/Scalp-EG attack takes place amid increasing tensions following Ukraine’s recent use of ATACMS missiles in the Bryansk region and ongoing reports of Russian counteroffensives in contested areas. Western nations have continued to supply advanced weaponry to Ukraine, with the United States recently announcing an additional $275 million in military aid, including ammunition for HIMARS systems.

This development underscores a shift in the operational scope of Ukraine’s defense strategy, with support from Western nations enabling deeper strikes into Russian territory. The potential impact of these actions on the broader conflict remains uncertain. Military analysts have suggested that while these strikes disrupt logistical and command capabilities, the limited availability of such missiles may restrict their long-term effectiveness. Russian officials, including Kremlin representatives, have reiterated warnings that continued strikes on Russian territory using Western-supplied weapons could lead to further escalation, including changes in nuclear posture.