This is the dramatic moment Ukraine reportedly used UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to target a Russian facility allegedly housing senior North Korean leaders.
Ukrainian defense experts said aerial footage allegedly showed the strike targeting missiles detonating a site in Russia's Kursk region, which includes a presidential facility with an underground control room.
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Huge columns of smoke were seen rising from the site, before an orange fireball engulfed the building.
Reports indicate that the attack targeted a location where North Korean generals could have been present along with senior Russian military commanders.
According to Ukrainian outlet Defense Express, the use of multiple Storm Shadow missiles indicates the possible presence of high-ranking military personnel in the region.
This has also been supported by analysis of the wreckage indicating the use of UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles rather than French SCALP missiles.
Footage from the village of Maryino, near the historic Baryatinsky estate – which currently serves as a Russian presidential sanatorium – shows a series of explosions during the strike.
Defense Express noted that the facility in question appears to be more than just a communications center, describing it as a potential underground command center for Russian forces in the region.
Given the involvement of North Korean military personnel in the area, it is possible that the site is being used by Russian and North Korean leaders, making it an important target.
The missiles, known for their advanced design and 450kg BROACH warhead, are designed to penetrate hard structures.
Defense Express highlighted the use of these cruise missiles on similar high-value military targets in the past, including a reserve command center for the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
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While awaiting official confirmation of the success of the strike, the report stresses the strategic importance of targeting such facilities, and points out the implications of Ukraine's permission to use Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory.
It is understood this is the second video of Ukraine using British-supplied Storm Shadows to target Putin's turf.
Unconfirmed footage on Wednesday afternoon showed a resident of the Kursk region pointing to the sky before loud explosions were heard in the background.
Residents were also seen revealing fragments of the missile, one of which was labeled “Storm Shadow.”
Hours later, the Defense Secretary announced that the armed forces would be hit by £500 million in cuts, the Telegraph reported.
This comes after the US gave Kiev the green light to use long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian targets.
Britain initially allowed Storm Shadows to target Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, but Kiev now appears to have permission to use them against targets inside Russia.
The £800,000 missiles are highly effective, designed to evade air defenses and strike targets with GPS-guided precision at speeds of up to 600mph.
With a range of up to 180 miles, these weapons can strike deep into Russian territory.
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The UK's decision to supply these advanced weapons, which was confirmed last year, was aimed at strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
Former Defense Secretary Ben Wallace highlighted its potential to give Ukraine a decisive advantage.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while declining to comment on operational details, reiterated the UK's commitment to ensuring that Ukraine has the tools to win the war.
The strike coincides with escalating tensions, as the Kremlin reacts angrily to Ukraine's increasing capabilities to deliver long-range strikes.
Russian propaganda launched nuclear threats against the United Kingdom in response, and at the same time, North Korea deployed thousands of troops to support the Russian war effort, intensifying the conflict.
The move also comes after the US supplied powerful ATACMS missiles, which Ukraine used last week to destroy an ammunition depot in Russia's Bryansk region, marking a major shift in Western support for Kiev's ability to strike inside Russia.
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