Calay News
Ukraine claimed on Saturday to have shot down a Russian Kinzhal supersonic missile during attacks on Moscow on Wednesday night into Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled the Kinzhal missile in 2018, calling it an “ideal weapon” due to its difficulty in intercepting. General Mikola Oleshchuk claimed on Telegram that they had shot down the “unrivaled” Kinzhal missile and congratulated the Ukrainian people on this historic achievement.
The Ukrainian air force said the missile was shot down in Kyiv thanks to the Patriot anti-aircraft system around 02:30 on Thursday (23:30 GMT on Wednesday). Ukraine received its first Patriots in mid-April, considered one of the most advanced US air defense systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said such a system would “significantly” strengthen his country’s defenses against Russian attacks.
The Kinzhal missile is one of Russia’s most advanced missiles, and the news that Ukraine shot it down is a great victory for the country. The acquisition of Patriot anti-aircraft systems, considered one of the most advanced US air defense systems, will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against Russian attacks.
Ukraine has been in tension with Russia since 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula. Since then, clashes have been taking place between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The situation worsened in 2021 when Russia massed troops on the Ukrainian border, raising fears of an imminent invasion. Although the tension has since subsided, the situation remains tense, and Ukraine remains a key target for Russia.
