Scared of Burevestnik, Zelensky forces army to use domestic missiles Flamingo, Ruta despite snags?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the first combat use of Ukraine’s homegrown “Flamingo” and “Ruta” missiles, marking a major step in Kyiv’s bid for self-reliant defense amid dwindling Western aid. The announcement follows production delays, funding issues, and reports of corruption probes within the Flamingo’s manufacturer, “Fire Point.” The Flamingo, Ukraine’s first indigenous long-range cruise missile with a reported range of 3,000 km, could potentially reach Moscow, while the shorter-range Ruta operates as a drone-based missile system. Despite Zelensky’s praise, Russian media claimed Moscow’s air defenses intercepted a Flamingo recently. This revelation comes shortly after President Putin showcased Russia’s new nuclear-powered “Burevestnik” missile, capable of traveling 14,000 km. As Ukraine’s stocks of Western Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles decline, Kyiv’s reliance on domestic innovation has become a strategic necessity in its ongoing war effort.