Russia Launches Barrage of Missiles at Ukraine

 

In the biggest attack on Ukraine in weeks, Russia has launched a barrage of missiles, including the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system, hitting key military infrastructure in the country. The Kinzhal missiles are capable of evading air defenses and reportedly have not been fired since the early months of the conflict. The attack caused a power outage at Europe’s largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia plant, though it was later restored. Ukrainian military claimed to have shot down 34 cruise missiles and four Iranian-made Shahed drones but was unable to intercept the Kinzhal ballistic missiles, along with older weapons such as Kh-22 anti-ship missiles and S-300 anti-aircraft missiles. A Ukrainian air force spokesperson described the attack as “major” and “like never before.”

 


The Russian defense ministry spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, confirmed that high-precision long-range air, sea, and land-based weapons, including the Kinzhal missiles, were used to hit Ukraine’s military infrastructure. The attack marked the biggest day of Russian strikes on Ukraine since the end of January.

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Despite numerous attempts to end the conflict, tensions have escalated in recent months, with Russia amassing troops near the border and Ukraine accusing Russia of supporting separatists in the eastern part of the country. The situation has raised concerns in the international community, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

 

 

 

 

In the latest escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Russian military has reportedly used Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which can evade air defences, to strike key elements of Ukraine’s military infrastructure. The attack, which was the most severe in weeks, also cut power to Europe’s largest nuclear plant, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, although it was later restored.

 

According to Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov, high-precision long-range air, sea and land-based weapons, including the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system, were used in the attack. This marks the first time in several months that Russia has reportedly used Kinzhal missiles in the conflict.

 

The Ukrainian military claimed to have successfully shot down 34 cruise missiles and four Iranian-made Shahed drones. However, it was unable to intercept the six Kinzhal ballistic missiles, nor was it able to destroy older weapons such as Kh-22 anti-ship missiles and S-300 anti-aircraft missiles.

 

“A spokeswoman for the Ukrainian air force told the Reuters news agency that this was a significant attack and the first time so many different types of missiles were used. It was unprecedented, as they say.

 

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Since then, clashes between separatists backed by Russia and Ukrainian army have persisted in eastern Ukraine. The latest escalation comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, with Ukraine accusing Russia of amassing troops near its border.

 

The International community has condemned the attack, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg calling on Russia to de-escalate the situation and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US and UK have also expressed their support for Ukraine, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on Russia to “immediately cease its military buildup” and engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.