The Russian military struck Kyiv last week with its hypersonic Zircon missile, Ukrainian researchers said late Monday.
If true, it would mark the first time Moscow has employed the Zircon, which Russia says has a range of well over 600 miles and can travel at nine times the speed of sound. Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute for Forensic Examinations, said that early analysis of missile fragments found after Russia‘s Feb. 7 attack on Kyiv indicates the Zircon was used.
“This is evidenced by markings on parts and fragments, identification of components and parts, features of the corresponding type of weapon. The missile was aimed at an area where there are no military facilities, civilian infrastructure and civilians were affected,” he said in a Telegram post, according to English translations.
Given its speed and maneuverability, the Zircon would present massive challenges for Ukrainian air defenses. The Kremlin has framed the weapon as a potential game changer.
In July 2021, the Russian Defense Ministry on Monday said that during test launches of the Zircon, it successfully took out targets hundreds of miles away.
At least five people were reportedly killed during Russia‘s Feb. 7 attack on Kyiv.