In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has reported a major defensive accomplishment. The country’s military shot down an entire volley of six Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles in a single night, according to Reuters. This event marks the first time Ukraine has successfully intercepted multiple hypersonic missiles of this kind, demonstrating the effectiveness of newly deployed Western air defence systems.
The Kinzhal Missile: A High-Speed Threat
The Kinzhal missile, traveling at speeds up to ten times the speed of sound, is a formidable weapon that can carry conventional or nuclear warheads up to 2,000 km. Russia has only used this weapon a few times in warfare, the first time being in Ukraine last year. Despite Russia’s claim of destroying a U.S.-built Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system with a Kinzhal missile, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, asserted that all were successfully intercepted.
Ukraine’s Escalating Defense Efforts
Ukraine’s defense forces have not only dealt with the Kinzhals but also intercepted nine Kalibr cruise missiles from ships in the Black Sea and three Iskanders fired from land. This progress coincides with Ukraine preparing to go on the offensive for the first time in six months. As a result, Russia is now launching long-range air strikes at the highest frequency of the war, but Kyiv says most of these strikes are being intercepted successfully.
The Changing Battlefield
The past week has seen Ukrainian forces make their most significant territorial gains since November. This resurgence follows a Russian winter offensive that failed to capture significant new territory despite intense ground combat. As Ukraine readies for a potential counteroffensive, the West’s contributions of modern tanks and armored vehicles are expected to play a pivotal role.
International Reaction and Support
Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in Iceland on Tuesday for a two-day Council of Europe summit to show their support for Ukraine. The leaders are expected to approve a new Register of Damages, a mechanism to document and record evidence and claims of damage, loss, or injury incurred as a result of the Russian invasion.
As the conflict continues to unfold, Ukraine’s breakthrough in defense against the Kinzhal missiles signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the battlefield, as it continues to resist the unprovoked and unlawful war of conquest.
Xylo News 