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.
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