Ukraine may have struck Russian warehouse in Mariupol with Neptune missile

Defense Express reports.

The Ukrainian Navy recently confirmed that its units struck a Russian military facility in temporarily occupied Mariupol. The target was a key ammunition depot identified by Ukrainian intelligence.

"Confirmed reports indicate that both the storage infrastructure and tons of ammunition stockpiled by the occupiers for use in Ukraine were destroyed in the strike," stated the Navy's press service. No further details were provided about the attack.

Since the report of the destroyed Russian depot came directly from the Ukrainian Navy, it can be assumed that Ukrainian Neptune cruise missiles were used. Given the target's location, less than 100 km from the frontline, this points to two key aspects.

First, it highlights the possible increase in Ukrainian missile production. Second, it underscores the shortage of Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG or ATACMS cruise missiles in Ukraine's defense forces, an issue already covered in Western media.

It's also worth mentioning that Ukraine's forces may have used the Neptune missile for strikes on Russian territory. In July, the General Staff hinted at a Navy strike on a Russian ammunition storage site in the Kursk region. In August, an S-300 missile system was reportedly hit in the Rostov region, suggesting the missile navigated a heavily fortified air defense zone. Additionally, the Navy destroyed the Conro Trader ferry in August, possibly using the Neptune missile.