Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine has successfully tested its new domestically-produced Long Neptune missile, which has a range of 621 miles. This brings Moscow, the Russian capital, within its reach. Zelensky stated that Kyiv has achieved “significant results” in its missile program, which is designed to bolster its security against the threat posed by Vladimir Putin. “Long Neptune has been tested and successfully deployed in combat,” he confirmed.
“A new Ukrainian missile, a precise strike. Its range is 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
Thanks to our Ukrainian developers, manufacturers, and military. We continue working to ensure Ukraine’s security.”
The Ukrainian Telegram channel Exilenova+ speculated that Friday’s dramatic attack on the Tuapse Oil Refinery might have been carried out by the new Neptune missile, a more advanced version of the weapon that sank Putin’s flagship, the Moskva, in 2022.
“There is an assumption that it was [the new] Neptune,” the channel noted.
Ten explosions were heard at the time of the strike, but there has been no official confirmation. A missile strike, rather than a long-range drone attack, could have caused far greater damage.
Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine has successfully tested its new domestically-produced Long Neptune missile, which has a range of 621 miles.
The Tuapse refinery, a crucial supplier to the Russian military, continued to burn for 36 hours after being hit, as shown in dramatic footage. Located just 55 miles from Putin’s £1 billion clifftop palace in Gelendzhik on the Black Sea, the strike served as a clear warning to him.
Another devastating blow occurred on Friday when Ukraine destroyed the local history museum in Sudzha, shortly after the Kursk region town was recaptured by Russian forces. It remains unclear whether this was the result of a Long Neptune strike.
In January, there were reports that the new version of the Neptune missile had also destroyed a major Russian drone warehouse in Chaltyr, Rostov region, causing a massive fireball.
The announcement about the Long Neptune missile comes amidst reports that Germany’s incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is likely to approve the deployment of long-range Taurus missiles—each costing up to £1.25 million—to Ukraine. These missiles have double the range of the British Storm Shadow, which Ukraine has not used in recent weeks. However, the new Ukrainian Long Neptune missile boasts double the range of the German Taurus.
Originally designed as an anti-ship missile, the weapon has been adapted during the war to target land objectives and is now capable of striking at long distances.
The long-range Neptune missile is manufactured by Luch Design Bureau. Originally developed as an anti-ship missile, it has been adapted during the war to target land-based objectives and is now capable of striking at long distances.
Earlier today, Keir Starmer stated that Putin will have to negotiate on Ukraine “sooner or later” as the Prime Minister begins fresh talks with coalition partners. Military chiefs are set to meet this week to discuss “operational” plans for a peacekeeping force.
Speaking after a video call with 25 world leaders, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Russian leader would eventually need to “come to the table,” adding, “This is the moment—let the guns fall silent and agree to a ceasefire now.”
He highlighted the importance of Britain’s interest in a ceasefire, noting how the invasion of Ukraine has driven up the cost of living and energy prices.
However, standing at a lectern marked with the slogan “Securing Our Future,” the Prime Minister did not address questions regarding a “Plan B” if Putin refuses to negotiate.
Criticizing the “dithering” of Russian officials, Sir Keir said military leaders would meet in the UK on Thursday as plans for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine move into an “operational phase,” potentially involving British “troops on the ground and planes in the sky.”
He told a press conference in Downing Street, “We agreed to accelerate our practical work to support a potential deal. We will now move into an operational phase. Our militaries will meet on Thursday this week here in the UK to put strong and robust plans in place to back a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine’s future security.”
