KYIV — Ukraine shot down a cluster of Russian weapons, including six hypersonic missiles, on Tuesday morning thanks to its new air defense system.
Kievites were unable to sleep through the night, some huddled underground in shelters and others glued to televisions, while burning debris fell in the skies above the capital amid the sharpest air battle in weeks. Overall, the Air Defense Forces of Ukraine reported shooting down all 18 Russian missiles and nine drones.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles travel 10 times the speed of sound, making them almost impossible to shoot down. But since the US Patriot air defense missile system arrived in Ukraine, it has now shot down Kinzels on two occasions.
The latest Russian attack comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky End Touring Western Europe to advocate for more advanced air defense and fighter jets for Ukraine.
Ukrainian Air Defense Force Said In a statement on Tuesday: “This night Russia attacked Ukraine from the south, north and east. From six MiG-31K aircraft, six hypersonic missiles X-47M2 ‘Kinzal’ were launched, 9 cruise missiles ‘Kalibr’ – and three ground-based missiles (S-400, ‘Iskander-M’) from Black Sea ships. All of them were shot down.
Air Defense Forces spokesman Yuri Ignat said that all six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were headed towards Kiev. “This is a remarkable result. As you see Kiev remains the main target. That’s why it is well protected by some serious air defense means,” Ignat Said.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said, “Another incredible success for the Ukrainian Air Force! Russian terrorists have no chance to dominate Ukraine.
Even though all the Russian missiles and drones were shot down, the falling debris still caused damage and destruction. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported explosions and minor fires in several Kyiv districts. Three people were injured and several cars were burnt. In the Shevchenkivsky district of Kiev, debris from the missile fell into the Kiev Zoo.
“Fortunately, no animals or workers were injured. There was no fire. Missile fragments damaged greenery, but all broken branches have already been removed,” Klitschko Said. “Anti-stress measures are now being taken with the animals.”
