Ukraine claims to have shot down a volley of Russian hypersonic missiles one of Moscow's most potent weapons - during an attack on the capital Kyiv described as "exceptional in density".
It is the first time Ukraine has claimed to have struck down multiple Kinzhal - which means "dagger" in Russian - missiles in one go. If confirmed it would be a demonstration of the effectiveness of Kyiv's newly deployed Western air defences in helping thwart some of Russia's most advanced weaponry. President Vladimir Putin has previously claimed that the Kinzhal would be able to "overcome all existing and ... prospective anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems".
Officials claimed to have intercepted all six of the Kinzhal fired at it, as part of a volley of 18 missiles launched by Moscow's forces in the early hours of yesterday morning. Video footage showed air defences destroying targets over the capital, with the barrage also including cruise missiles and kamikaze drones.
The overnight attack on Kyiv was "exceptional in its density the maximum number of attacking missiles in the shortest period of time", said Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration. Kyiv authorities said three people were wounded by falling debris.
"Another unbelievable success for the Ukrainian air forces!" Oleksii Reznikov, the defence minister, said on Twitter.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 17, 2023-Ausgabe von The Independent.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 17, 2023-Ausgabe von The Independent.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Ten-man Forest earn draw in feisty battle at the Bridge
Chelsea’s winning run in the Premier League was brought to an end by 10-man Nottingham Forest who battled to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge to maintain their own strong start to the season.
Brighton fight back to end Tottenham's winning run
Brighton scored three times in 18 second-half minutes to fight back from two goals down to stun Tottenham and claim a 3-2 win after an entertaining encounter at Amex Stadium.
United's vanilla display at Villa may yet save Ten Hag
Manchester United have rarely found relief in a five-game winless run but, for the second time in four days, there was some respite for the beleaguered Erik ten Hag.
One day in October that we have to keep remembering
Documentary maker Dan Reed's new film focuses on just one of the kibbutzim attacked on 7 October, as he explains to Guy Walters why the memory must never be allowed to fade
Wreck of 'ghost ship' found off the coast of California
The USS Stewart was deliberately sunk on 24 May 1946
'Impossible' for Beijing to rule Taiwan as motherland
As China seeks to 'reunite' the self-governing island with the mainland, Lai Ching-te insists his country is 'independent'
Heinz apologises as Black family advert sparks outrage
Heinz has issued an apology after it came under fire for an advertisement currently on display in Tube stations across London.
Landlord charges 'entitled' diners for wasting pub food
A pub landlord has warned customers he will charge them extra for large amounts of food they do not finish from his all-you-caneat roast dinner buffet.
Man endures cancer battle away from home as he waits for cladding work to begin
A homeowner who was evacuated from his flat a year ago due to dangerous cladding faces a battle with cancer from his temporary home as remediation work has not yet started.
'No one should live with threat of domestic abuse'
Dermot O'Leary backs Independent campaign for a refuge
