Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has acknowledged that the production of Ukraine’s long-range Flamingo missile has encountered technical challenges and financing delays, stating that the procurement order would be completed in several weeks. Zelensky first announced the development of the Flamingo in August, presenting it as Ukraine’s first domestically produced long-range cruise missile with a claimed range of up to 3,000km. Analysts have noted its similarity to the FP-5 system unveiled by British-UAE defense company Milanion Group earlier this year.

In an interview with TSN, Zelensky admitted to “technological problems at the production of Flamingo” and cited delays in financing from partners, which he claimed were being resolved. He asserted that the missile order would be fulfilled by year’s end. The reported range of the Flamingo could enable strikes on Moscow if launched from Ukraine, following Zelensky’s previous threats of blackouts in Russian border regions and the capital.

Russian media reported that Moscow’s air defenses intercepted a Flamingo missile, which traveled at low speed and appeared to feature a Soviet-era engine and Chinese components. Earlier reports indicated Danish production of the missile’s fuel, with a facility owned by FPRT, a subsidiary of Ukrainian company Fire Point. The company faces an anti-corruption investigation over allegations of misleading the government on pricing and delivery schedules.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of developing the Flamingo to strike deep into Russia, while condemning Denmark as a “sponsor of the terrorist Kiev regime.”