Ukraine Launches Major Missile, Drone Barrage on Russia Using Western Arms

Ukraine launched a major drone and missile assault on Crimea and Russia’s Krasnodar region early Saturday, marking the first known use of Western-supplied cruise missiles since President Donald Trump returned to office in January.

According to Russian defense sources, Ukraine launched 255 drones and 12 cruise missiles, including eight British- and French-made Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, and four British-made Neptune missiles. The Russian port city of Novorossiysk—home to much of the Black Sea Fleet—declared a state of emergency following the strikes.

Local officials reported significant damage. Novorossiysk Mayor Andrey Kravchenko said two apartment buildings were destroyed and more than 95 others damaged. Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed five people, including two children, were injured, and agricultural infrastructure was also affected.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed all cruise missiles were intercepted over the Black Sea. However, the deployment of Western-made cruise missiles—absent from the battlefield since January—suggests a possible reversal of Trump’s earlier policy to limit their use in an effort to maintain dialogue with Moscow.

These missiles require real-time U.S. intelligence and targeting support, leading analysts to conclude that Washington may have resumed direct involvement in Ukrainian targeting operations. This would represent a significant shift after Trump reportedly blocked the transfer of German Taurus missiles to Ukraine and withheld targeting support for Western cruise missiles.

The attack comes just days after the Trump Administration pulled out of Ukraine peace negotiations and signed a controversial "Minerals Deal" with Kiev. Following the deal, the White House requested congressional approval for a $50 million weapons package and is reviewing a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors.

In addition, the State Department approved a $311 million F-16 support package for Ukraine on Friday, covering training, spare parts, and logistical assistance. Taken together, the moves suggest Washington may be reverting to a more aggressive Ukraine policy reminiscent of the Biden administration’s approach, despite Trump’s campaign pledges to end the war.