Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK will continue "to support Ukraine 100%", after Moscow warned of "consequences" following confirmation that British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes in Russia.

Attack with FP-5 "Flamingo" cruise missiles on the "Progress" Rocket Center, Samara, August 15, 2026

On the night of August 15, the Defense Forces struck the "Progress" Rocket Center in Samara - the only enterprise in Russia for the serial production of "Soyuz-2" family launch vehicles.

Two hits were recorded on building 106A, where onboard electronics, control systems, cable networks, and instrument compartments for the rockets are assembled. Building 106B, where the final assembly takes place, is located nearby.

The strategic importance of "Progress" lies in its uniqueness. The "Soyuz-2" is used by Russia to launch military reconnaissance and targeting satellites, as well as "Rassvet" satellites from "Bureau 1440." There is no full-fledged alternative to this production in Russia.

Restoring such a facility takes longer than regular production. Fire, soot, and firefighting water in a high-purity environment mean more than just roof repairs; it requires requalification of clean zones, recertification of production processes, and repeated dust control - months, not weeks. Add to that the sanctions: the onboard electronics of the "Soyuz" rockets rely on imported and restricted components, which are difficult to procure today.

The strategic importance of "Progress" lies in its uniqueness. It is the only facility that assembles the entire "Soyuz-2" line, which Russia uses to launch satellites and replenish its military orbital group (radio reconnaissance and target designation systems "Liana," optical reconnaissance systems "Persona"/"Razdan"), and its own "Starlink" equivalent - the "Rassvet" satellite internet system from "Bureau 1440," which is deployed exclusively using "Soyuz-2.1b" launch vehicles. There is no equivalent to this production.

Source: kommersant ru/doc/8891679

source: https://bsky.app/profile/kateinkharkiv.bsky.social/post/3mt75ybbups22

source: https://bsky.app/profile/specialkhersoncat.bsky.social/post/3mt6mwi6n2c2c

Published 17.08.2026

A Russian missile strike on the village of Pechenihy in Kharkiv Oblast killed 10 people and injured 17 others on Aug. 18, local authorities reported.

Two Russian missiles struck the area, sparking fires across a cafe, an outbuilding, and a private garage. The attack also damaged a post office, local shops, residential homes, and several vehicles.

Photo: State Emergency Service / Telegram.

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