Russia has launched hypersonic missiles at Ukraine as Kyiv’s military reportedly hit a major oil terminal in occupied Crimea that supplies fuel for Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. Ukraine’s general staff announced on social media that the oil terminal in Feodosia, located on the south coast of the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula, was targeted to undermine the military and economic capabilities of Russia.
Authorities installed by Russia in Feodosia reported a fire at the oil terminal on Monday morning. Ukrainian troops successfully downed at least two Kinzhal missiles, each measuring eight meters in length, launched at Kyiv. Another Kinzhal missile is said to have struck an airfield approximately 170 miles further west in Starokostyantyniv. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a nuclear-capable, Russian air-launched ballistic missile introduced as a “next-generation” weapon by Putin in 2018.
Debris from the missiles damaged a tower-block in Kyiv and a school after being intercepted by Ukrainian air defense systems. Despite Ukraine’s interception success, some weapons still penetrated, indicating evolving tactics and technology on Russia’s part. Ukrainian air defenses also took down 32 Russian drones, with 37 more disabled by electronic warfare systems, according to Kyiv’s air force.
The ongoing conflict has seen Russia conduct long-range missile strikes on Ukraine since February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aims to retaliate by using Western missiles to target locations within Russia. Although Ukraine has received Storm Shadow missiles from Britain and ATACMS ballistic missiles from the US, there are concerns over firing into Russia due to potential retaliation and the need for US targeting systems.
Simultaneously, Ukraine launched a strike on the oil terminal in Feodosia, resulting in a massive fire and thick black smoke. The attack aimed to disrupt vital rear areas supporting Russia’s invasion efforts into Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region. Zelensky emphasised the importance of applying pressure on Russia to bring an end to the conflict, stressing the necessity of strength for achieving peace.
As the situation intensifies, Zelensky highlighted the critical phase of the war as Ukrainian forces defend against Russian aggression in the east and hold territory in Russia’s Kursk region. The strategic strikes on critical infrastructure in Russia demonstrate Ukraine’s determination to hinder the enemy’s capabilities to sustain the ongoing conflict.
In summary, the recent developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine highlight the escalating tensions and the strategic maneuvers employed by both sides in a bid to gain the upper hand in the ongoing war.