In a landmark strike, Ukrainian forces used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to target a Russian command post, allegedly killing high-ranking Russian General Lt-Gen Valery Solodchuk and 500 North Korean soldiers on November 20.
Reports also claim that 18 additional Russian officers were killed and another 18 wounded in the attack, although these figures remain unverified.
The Strike’s Impact
The missiles struck an underground military facility in Maryino, located in Russia’s Kursk region. This marked the first time Storm Shadow missiles had been used to hit targets deep inside Russian territory. Video footage purportedly shows a missile flying toward its target, with fragments later identified bearing the name “Storm Shadow.”
If confirmed, the losses would represent a significant blow to Russian and North Korean forces, explaining Putin’s retaliatory launch of a hypersonic Oreshnik missile against Ukraine’s Dnipro and his threats of nuclear escalation.
Rising North Korean Involvement
The strike reportedly killed 500 North Korean soldiers, part of a contingent of over 10,000 troops sent to support Russia’s military efforts. This deployment, ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has raised alarm among Ukraine’s allies, who fear an intensification of the conflict, already Europe’s largest since World War II.
Storm Shadow: A Tactical Game-Changer
The £800,000 Storm Shadow missiles, known for their ability to evade air defenses, have a range of up to 180 miles and use advanced GPS and infrared technology to strike targets with precision. After being launched, the missiles descend to low altitudes to avoid detection, ascend before impact, and then penetrate targets before detonating a delayed warhead.
Initially restricted to Ukrainian territory, Kyiv appears to have been granted permission to use these weapons on Russian soil, reflecting a significant shift in Western support. The UK confirmed its supply of Storm Shadows to Ukraine in May 2023, with then-Defense Secretary Ben Wallace emphasizing the weapon’s strategic importance.
Global Reactions and Policy Shifts
The strike coincides with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to permit Ukraine to use long-range American missiles for cross-border attacks, a major departure from earlier policies. This decision comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, with pledges to reduce American involvement in the war and push for a swift resolution.
The escalation in hostilities highlights the evolving dynamics of the conflict, with the Storm Shadow missile strike signaling a potential turning point in Ukraine’s ability to challenge Russian forces directly on their home turf. Whether this heralds a broader shift in military strategy remains to be seen.
