Ukraine said its air defense systems destroyed a Russian missile blitz overnight that included six Kinzhal hypersonic weapons targeted at the capital Kyiv.
(Bloomberg) — Ukraine said its air defense systems destroyed a Russian missile blitz overnight that included six Kinzhal hypersonic weapons targeted at the capital Kyiv.
“It was exceptional in its intensity — the maximum quantity of missiles in the shortest period of time,” Kyiv city military administration chief Serhiy Popko said Tuesday on Telegram. “The enemy launched a complex attack from several directions simultaneously.”
In all, 18 missiles including nine Kalibr cruise missiles and three ground-launched weapons were destroyed, Ukrainian army Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi said on Telegram.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has touted the Kinzhal missile as part of a new generation of strategic hypersonic weapons that he unveiled in 2018, claiming they were able to overcome any air defenses. Ukraine said earlier this month that it shot down a Kinzhal for the first time using a Patriot air-defense system, a claim later backed by the US.
All six Russian kinzhals were heading toward Kyiv and air defenses performed “outstanding” work, military spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said in televised comments.
Ukrainian officials said Tuesday that their forces also shot down Russian drones, including Iranian-made Shahed types and reconnaissance craft.
Air raid sirens were triggered across the country and multiple explosions were heard in Kyiv in the early hours as the city faced the eighth Russian assault so far this month. At least three people were injured in Kyiv and at least one building was damaged by debris, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.
The strikes took place as Ukraine prepares for a counteroffensive by its military aimed at pushing Russian forces out of occupied areas of the country’s east and south.
–With assistance from Andrea Dudik.
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