Storm Shadow cruise missile
Ukraine has limited capabilities to destroy Russian launchers, especially on the territory of the Russian Federation. Experts believe that the emergence of its own ballistic missiles could radically change the situation.
The President of Ukraine announced discussions on the Drone Deal and cooperation in the field of armaments. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of funding, technology, and training.
Combat divers of the "Omega" Center destroyed a Russian Su-24M at the "Saki" airfield in occupied Crimea. Strike drones hit the nose section and fuel tanks of the aircraft.
Ukraine and European partners have founded the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, which is launching the creation of a joint anti-ballistic system FREYJA. Well-known European defense companies are joining the project launch.
Ukraine will be the first to receive new enhanced Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. France will also provide two SAMP/T complexes to strengthen defense this year.
Macron announced the transfer of Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine in 2028-2029. Ukraine also received licenses to produce SCALP missiles, Aster-30, and AASM Hammer guided aerial bombs.
Defense Forces struck an oil refinery in Tuapse and Russian reconnaissance assets with Storm Shadow missiles. Command posts, warehouses, and occupiers' radar stations were also destroyed.
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles to destroy a command post in the Luhansk region. The General Staff confirmed the successful strike on the enemy facility.
SSO attacked an Iskander base in Crimea with drones that pierced 60-centimeter concrete. The new weapon allows for striking the enemy's deeply protected facilities.
A series of powerful explosions rocked occupied Sevastopol and Novofedorivka. Russian air defense conducted intense fire near the thermal power plant and military airfields.
The Air Force hit a UAV storage facility with SCALP missiles and GBU-39 bombs. Ammunition depots in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions were also destroyed.
The Defense Forces hit a Russian microelectronics plant that produces chips for Iskander missiles. Significant damage to production facilities has been recorded.
As a result of the strike on the enterprise that produces chips for missile systems, there are dead and wounded. The plant produces components for Iskanders and S-400s.
The General Staff confirmed the destruction of a drone storage and launch site near Donetsk. UAV control points and enemy artillery in three regions were also hit.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not received long-range weapons with a range of over 200–250 km from its partners. All systems with a greater range were developed by Ukrainian specialists.
The UK Ministry of Defence will prioritize providing Ukraine with Nightfall missiles to strike targets at a distance of over 500 km. London does not yet plan to include this system in its arsenal, focusing on providing for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend a summit on the impact of artificial intelligence in India this week. He will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen ties between the countries.
The United Kingdom will allocate over 460 million euros for the development of new long-range and hypersonic missiles in cooperation with European allies. These missiles will be able to hit targets at a distance of over 2000 km and will replace Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
Ukraine and France have agreed on joint arms production in both countries. This paves the way for large-scale projects in the defense industry.
France and Great Britain are preparing a new modification of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, based on the successful experience of their use in Ukraine. The development of the Mk2 version will begin in 2026, focusing on improving guidance systems.
American company Zone 5 Technologies has successfully conducted combat tests of the Rusty Dagger cruise missile for Ukraine. The cost of one unit is about $246,000, which is significantly cheaper than analogues.
The French Air and Space Force conducted exercises simulating an offensive operation against a high-tech adversary. A key element was the launch of SCALP cruise missiles from Rafale fighters in a scenario close to combat operations with Russia.
France opposes simplifying rules for Ukraine to purchase British Storm Shadow missiles, insisting on using EU funds exclusively within the bloc. Paris seeks EU strategic autonomy, which causes internal contradictions.
During December 25, 115 combat engagements, 50 air strikes, 4060 kamikaze drones, and 2792 shelling attacks were recorded. The highest intensity of fighting was in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy carried out 26 attacks.
On December 25, units of the Ukrainian Air Force successfully struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region with Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Numerous explosions were recorded, and the extent of the damage is being clarified.
The Ukrainian cruise missile FP-5 "Flamingo" has a flight range of up to 3,000 km, which is twice that of the American "Tomahawk. " Its main advantage is that Ukraine can use it without the permission of allies to strike Russian territory.
The UK has continued to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow cruise missiles for long-range strikes against Russia. This will provide Ukraine with supplies ahead of the winter months and increase pressure on the Kremlin.
The Pentagon has approved providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, believing it will not affect American stockpiles. However, the final decision rests with President Donald Trump, who is hesitant due to the potential impact on relations with the US and Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Ukraine is in a better position after new US sanctions against the Russian oil industry. These measures, along with the EU package, weaken Russia's economy and its ability to wage war.
The Trump administration has lifted a key ban on Ukraine's use of long-range Western missiles to strike Russia. This decision allows Ukraine to attack military targets deep within Russia, including with Storm Shadow missiles.