In a notable escalation of military operations, Ukraine has employed its domestically produced FP-5 'Flamingo' cruise missiles to target a significant Russian ammunition depot near Kotluban in the Volgograd Oblast. This attack, conducted during the early hours of February 11-12, aims at disrupting Russian military capabilities as Ukraine intensifies its strikes on military infrastructure almost four years into the ongoing conflict. The operation targeted facilities associated with Russia's Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU), which is known for housing some of the largest ammunition reserves utilized by Russian forces.

Ukrainian military reports indicate that the strike resulted in powerful explosions and secondary detonations at the site, though the full extent of the damage is being evaluated. The Russian regional authorities have also acknowledged the incident, with Governor Andrey Bocharov confirming that an event took place at a Defense Ministry facility in the vicinity. This incident underscores the continued volatility in the region and the strategic importance of targeting munitions depots to hinder Russian military operations.

In the backdrop of this military action, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pursue negotiations for a peace deal with Russia. Such statements reflect the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the conflict, as Ukraine seeks to bolster its military capability while navigating international diplomatic pressures for resolution. The implications of continuing strikes on Russian infrastructure may also affect future negotiations, as the balance of power remains fluid and fraught with uncertainty.