So very expensive long range ballistic missile is still in cheap cruise missile range. Great way of reinforcing the point that Oreshnik, much like the v2 program, is a giant waste of money when used in a conventional land war.
When it comes to the propaganda war, this is a master level move.
Russia has been hyping up the Oreshnik as a nuclear capable missile that can not be easily destroyed by anti-air. Its been a cornerstone of their nuclear propaganda to put fear into Ukraines allies. Its reportedly mostly an old Soviet era missile with a few new parts.
Ukraine created the flamingo as a long distance cruise/drone missiles to strike deep into Russia. This was in response to Its allies refusing to give them long distance capabilities due to fear of nuclear reprisals. Its had a lot of skeptics doubting it could get through Russia Anti-air defense and make any significant impact in the war.
So Ukraine goes and proves the effectiveness of the Flamingo by wrecking the main facility for the Russian Oreshnik program.
It would have been even better if a Oreshnik missile was in the hanger. Who needs anti-air when you can just take it out on the ground!



