Ukraine likely used Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian presidential facility in Kursk region

Russia has accused Ukraine of deploying both ballistic ATACMS and Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles on its territory. A video from Maryino in the Kursk region captures around 15 explosions, though some may be from air defenses.  

Defense Express notes that the strikes occurred near the Baryatinsky estate, now a sanatorium run by the Russian Presidential Administration. The targeted site, believed to be in its eastern part, may be a fortified military communication hub or a buried command post.  

Given the strategic importance of the site, it likely housed key military personnel from the command of the Russian troops in the Kursk region. And given that the North Korean troops are also operating there, it is possible that North Korean generals could have been there. Such targets justify the use of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, designed to penetrate heavily protected structures, as demonstrated in strikes on similar facilities in Ukraine.  

These missiles use BROACH warheads, employing an explosive to breach obstacles before a secondary warhead penetrates. 

While the exact target remains speculative, further announcements and reactions are expected. The strike underscores the broader strategic implications of Storm Shadow use.