KYIV: Russia has used five of its new hypersonic Zircon missiles to attack Kyiv since the beginning of the year, the city’s military administration said on Monday.
This information was shared in a post on Telegram, where it was revealed that there have been over 180 missile and drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital during the first three months of the year.
The Zircon missiles, which are launched from sea-based platforms, possess a range of 1,000 km (625 miles) and travel at nine times the speed of sound, as claimed by Russia. Military analysts have noted that the hypersonic speed of these missiles could significantly reduce reaction time for air defenses, enabling them to target large, deep, and fortified structures.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the use of Zircon missiles in combat during his annual state-of-the-nation address on February 29, without specifying the exact targets. He has touted the Zircon as part of a new generation of unparalleled weaponry.
Additionally, the Kyiv administration reported that the city has also been struck by six other types of missiles since the beginning of 2024, including the Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile, of which 113 have been fired. Furthermore, Russia has launched 11 Kinzhal missiles, another hypersonic weapon with speeds several times faster than sound, at the Ukrainian capital this year.
Moscow has not yet provided any immediate comments on these reports. Russia has regularly announced missile strikes on Ukraine, claiming to target military and energy facilities, although some strikes have resulted in damage to civilian structures.
