Russia deployed hypersonic Zircon missile in Kyiv

Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute for Forensic Examinations, said that early analysis of missile fragments recovered after the Feb. 7 attack on Kyiv indicates the use of the Zircon

Ukrainian researchers reported late Monday that the Russian military targeted Kyiv last week using its high-speed Zircon missile, which can travel at nine times the speed of sound and has a range exceeding 600 miles, according to Russian claims. Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute for Forensic Examinations, stated that initial analysis of missile fragments recovered after the Feb. 7 attack on Kyiv suggests the use of the Zircon. 

Ruvin stated in a Telegram post, as translated into English, that the evidence includes markings on parts and fragments, identification of components and parts, and features specific to the Zircon. He also noted that the missile was directed at an area devoid of military installations, civilian infrastructure, and civilians, indicating an intentional targeting of non-military zones. 

The Zircon’s speed and agility would pose significant challenges for Ukrainian air defenses, with the Kremlin positioning the weapon as a potential game changer. The Russian Defense Ministry previously announced in July 2021 that the Zircon had successfully eliminated targets hundreds of miles away during test launches. 

Reports indicate that at least five people lost their lives during Russia’s Feb. 7 assault on Kyiv. 

Source: Newsroom