Unprecedented Strike: Ukraine’s Storm Shadow Missiles Target Russian Forces Inside Russia
A recent missile strike in Russia, conducted by Ukraine on November 20, has reportedly inflicted devastating losses on joint Russian and North Korean forces. Utilizing British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, Ukraine targeted a military command center and sanatorium-turned-military-facility in Maryino, Kursk region. This marks the first confirmed use of these long-range missiles deep inside Russian territory.
Among the dead are believed to be Lt. Gen. Valery Solodchuk, 18 senior officers, and up to 500 North Korean troops. Reports suggest that another 18 officers were wounded, along with an unnamed North Korean general. If confirmed, this strike signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and a recalibration of Western “red lines.”
The Attack’s Scope and Fallout
Footage circulating online shows the precision-guided Storm Shadow missiles in action, flying towards their underground target. The missiles reportedly struck the Presidential Affairs Directorate’s facility, housed on a Tsarist-era estate repurposed as a military outpost.
The heavy losses—especially among North Korean troops—highlight the deepening alliance between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. North Korea is believed to have deployed over 10,000 soldiers to aid Russia’s faltering invasion of Ukraine. The presence of these troops underscores Russia’s growing reliance on external support as its military capabilities are increasingly stretched.
While neither Russia nor North Korea have officially acknowledged the death toll, this attack has sparked outrage in Moscow. President Putin retaliated with the launch of an Oreshnik hypersonic missile targeting Dnipro, marking a sharp escalation in military responses. Putin further warned that the deployment of NATO-supplied weaponry against Russian territory could justify the use of nuclear force—a chilling reminder of the conflict’s global stakes.
A Controversial Turning Point
The use of Storm Shadow missiles raises critical questions about Western involvement. These missiles, supplied by the UK to Ukraine earlier this year, were reportedly provided under conditions limiting their deployment to Ukrainian territory. However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has refused to confirm whether the government authorized their use in this cross-border strike.
Addressing Parliament, Starmer defended Ukraine’s actions under Article 51 of the UN Charter, citing the nation’s inherent right to self-defense. “The UK’s support for Ukraine is always for self-defense. It is proportionate, coordinated, and in accordance with international law,” he stated.
Critics argue that this incident represents a dangerous escalation, pushing the conflict further into uncharted territory. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials view it as a necessary step to counter Russian aggression, particularly as cross-border attacks from Russian soil have intensified.
Geopolitical Implications
The strike has deepened fears of wider international repercussions. The presence of North Korean troops on the battlefield has already drawn international condemnation, with experts warning that this growing axis between Moscow and Pyongyang could destabilize the broader region.
Military analysts have emphasized the precision and effectiveness of the Storm Shadow missiles, with this strike potentially serving as a model for future operations. However, the use of Western-supplied weaponry in Russian territory may provoke more aggressive retaliatory measures from Moscow, heightening the risk of escalation.
As tensions mount, the incident underscores the fragile balance of power in the region. NATO and allied nations face increasing pressure to navigate a path between supporting Ukraine’s defense and preventing a catastrophic escalation.
Looking Ahead
The Maryino strike has delivered a decisive blow to Russian forces, exposing vulnerabilities in their command structure and reliance on allied forces like North Korea. However, it also raises troubling questions about the boundaries of Western involvement and the risks of pushing the Kremlin into a corner.
As both sides brace for the next phase of this protracted war, the world watches anxiously, hoping to avoid a broader conflict that could spiral beyond control.