Russian hypersonic missile shot down, claims Ukraine

Ukraine's air force has claimed to have downed a Russian hypersonic missile over Kyiv using newly-acquired American Patriot defence systems - the first known time the country has been able to intercept one of Moscow's most modern missiles.

- DAVID RISING

Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk said that the Kinzhaltype ballistic missile had been intercepted in an overnight attack on the Ukrainian capital earlier in the week. It was also the first time Ukraine is known to have used the Patriot defence systems.

It comes as Kyiv accused Moscow of using phosphorus munitions in the eastern city of Bakhmut. Drone footage released by the Ukrainian military shows parts of the city - the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting of the war - ablaze as what is alleged to be white phosphorus rains down.

Phosphorus weapons are not banned in their entirety, given their use for creating smoke screens or illumination. However, the use of white phosphorus, or other munitions designed to set fire to objects or cause burn injuries, in civilian areas is considered a war crime. Writing on Twitter, Ukraine's defence ministry said the attack had targeted "unoccupied areas of Bakhmut with incendiary ammunition".

Yesterday, the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper quoted military officials as saying that "the enemy used phosphorus and incendiary ammunition in Bakhmut in an attempt to wipe the city off the face of the Earth".