Ukraine Intercepts Majority of Russian Missiles in Night of Intense Attacks
Serhij Popko, the head of Kyiv's city military administration, reported that air defense units successfully intercepted missiles aimed at Kyiv. The attackers used Kh-101, Kh-555, and Kh-55 cruise missiles, all launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers. Popko shared via Telegram that there were no casualties in Ukraine's capital, and no buildings were harmed during the attack.
The Kh-101, a strategic cruise missile with stealth capabilities, has a range of about 2,800-3,400 miles and weighs between 4,850-5,290 pounds. The Kh-55 and Kh-555 missiles have ranges of 1,860 and 1,740 miles, respectively, with a missile weight of about 3,750 pounds. The Tu-95MS strategic bomber, essential in these operations, stands out with a wingspan of over 164 feet, a top speed of around 515 mph, and a range of roughly 6,520 miles without in-flight refueling.
Shelling of Ukrainian infrastructure
As reported on the website defense-ua.com, Russia's offensive arsenal included ballistic Iskander missiles, Shahed-136 drones, and Kinzhal missiles, among others, targeting energy infrastructure. The site details the successful interception of numerous targets by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian defense units demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, intercepting 33 out of 45 launched Kh-101/555 missiles, all four Kalibr missiles, both Ch-59/Ch-69 missiles, and 20 21 Shahed drones. They also downed two Iskander ballistic missiles, one Iskander-K cruise missile, and one Kinzhal (Kh-47) missile.
Despite Ukraine's resilient defense, Russian forces damaged facilities crucial for electricity generation and transmission. Maksym Kozytsky, the head of the Lviv regional state administration, reported damage to critical energy infrastructure in the Stryi region, highlighting the wider impact beyond Kyiv.
Ihor Klymenko, the Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs, noted the broader fallout from the attacks, including damage to around 30 residential buildings, public transport, and vehicles. Additionally, a fire department and a medical rescue building were affected in Zaporizhzhia.
