Ukraine launches UK-supplied Storm Shadow missile assault in ‘largest attack on Russian military facility’

Ukraine has launched its largest attack on Russian military facilities, deploying British Storm Shadow missiles, US-made Atacms missiles and 146 drones to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.

The massive assault targeted locations nearly 700 miles into Russia, primarily focusing on southwestern regions of the country.

Kyiv’s forces executed the operation despite facing increasing battlefield pressures along the Ukrainian front line.

The coordinated strikes forced six Russian cities to restrict their airspace on Tuesday morning, according to the country’s aviation agency.

A chemical plant in Bryansk, known for producing artillery, rocket launch systems and cruise missiles, was among the key targets struck in the attack, according to the Ukrainian ministry of defence.

The strikes also hit the Kristall oil plant and a refinery in Saratov, a Ukrainian spokesman confirmed.

“The destruction of Russian military facilities continues. Glory to Ukraine,” the spokesman added.

The city of Engels, which hosts Russia’s long-range nuclear bombers at its airfield, was targeted for the second time in a week.

Both Saratov and Engels saw damage to industrial facilities in the coordinated assault.

Moscow confirmed the “massive” attack and issued a stern warning in response.

“The actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western curators, will not go unanswered,” the Russian defence ministry said.

Roman V Busargin, the governor of the Saratov region, acknowledged the extent of the assault on Telegram.

“Today Saratov and Engels were subjected to a massive UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] attack,” he said.

The governor added that “air defences [had] eliminated a large number of targets” but confirmed industrial plants in both cities had sustained damage.

Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian soil in recent weeks as it seeks to strengthen its negotiating position ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration next week.

The US president-elect has declared that ending the war in Ukraine will be a priority during the initial phase of his presidency.

The escalation in strikes demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capability to hit targets deep within Russian territory, despite mounting challenges on its own front lines.