Russia may have hit Ukraine with a 'zombie missile,' reports say
Illustrative photo: Russia reportedly attacked Ukraine with a "zombie missile" (Getty Images)
On the night of January 20, during a massive strike, Russian forces likely used the RM-48U training missiles against Ukraine for the first time. They are target simulators designed for air defense system drills, reports The Telegraph.
The RM-48U training missile is called a “zombie missile” because it is a repurposed version of the 5V55 or 48N6 missiles, whose service life has ended and which have already been retired from active duty. These missiles are usually used as training targets for the S-300 and S-400 air defense systems.
Missiles of the 5V55 and 48N6 types can carry a payload of 133 to 180 kilograms. However, since they were originally designed for other purposes, in their upgraded form, they likely lack the precision needed for effective strikes on ground targets.
Nevertheless, their use allows Russia to increase the number of attacks on Ukrainian cities and forces Ukraine to expend costly air defense resources. During the attack, the RM-48U managed to penetrate Ukrainian air defenses, but it is currently unknown whether they were equipped with warheads or served as decoys.
Massive strike on Ukraine on January 20
On the night of January 20, Russia again struck Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones. Strong explosions were heard in various districts of the capital. Power and water supply disruptions were recorded.
Following the enemy attack, schedules on some metro lines had to be adjusted due to the effects of the strikes and electricity disruptions, which affected train operations.
As of the morning after the combined nighttime strike, 5,635 apartment buildings in Kyiv remained without heating, and the entire left bank of the capital was without water. One person was reported injured in the Dniprovskyi district and hospitalized in a city hospital.
Russian forces also attacked the Kyiv region during the night of January 20. A 50-year-old man was killed in the attack. Gas stations were also damaged.
