‘Exceptional’ missile strikes on Kyiv repelled by Patriot air defences but damage to city zoo
Russia launched an unprecedented missile barrage at Kyiv in the early hours of Tuesday morning but the attacks were repelled by new air defences, according to Ukrainian authorities, with only minimal damage from falling debris.
A rapid-fire assault with a mix of hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and kamikaze drones were launched in what officials described as one of the most intense attacks on Ukraine’s capital since the start of the war. But all 18 of the munitions that were detected were destroyed, the Ukrainian military said.
The barrage was “exceptional in its density – the maximum number of missiles in the shortest period of time”, said Serhii Popko, head of the local military administration.
Spectacular images were recorded as the duel of incoming missiles and imported air defences – including the new US-made Patriot systems – lit up the night sky.
Ukrainians were swift to pay tribute to the life-saving qualities of the new arrivals.
“Even a rather limited number of Patriots provided to Ukraine proved to be a huge boost to air defence/anti-missile capability as recent events made clear,” said Mykola Bielieskov of the National Institute for Strategic Studies, a think-tank in Kyiv that advises Ukraine’s leadership.
Damage was still inflicted by falling debris from the falling munitions, said local authorities, with cars set on fire, buildings damaged, and impacts on Kyiv zoo.
“Anti-stress measures are being conducted on the animals,” said mayor Vitali Klitschko.
If confirmed, the performance of air defence systems would represent a stunning success. Ukraine had previously claimed to lack the capability to combat Russia’s hypersonic “Kinzhal” missiles.
There was little comment on the strikes on Kyiv by Russia’s official and unofficial channels with state media and military correspondents quiet.
Russia is believed to have increased the intensity of its missile barrages in a bid to undermine Ukraine’s forthcoming offensive.
