Ukraine destroys 3 Russian Iskander systems in key blow to Russia, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces destroyed key enemy positions this week, including three Iskander missile systems used to shell Ukraine, reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy said he received reports today from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. They mainly discussed Ukrainian military operations on the front line.
"There is much to be thankful for. Our soldiers successfully destroyed Russian positions this week — exactly those used to attack Ukraine, our communities, and our people. In recent days, three Iskander missile systems were destroyed. It was the elimination of outright killers," the president said.
He also recalled that Ukrainian troops shot down a Russian Su-35 military aircraft. Zelenskyy added that the Armed Forces damaged Russian military helicopters, logistics, and airfields.
"Every complication for Russia helps our defense. Each obstacle matters to us," Zelenskyy said.
Iskander missile systems
The Iskander missile systems are Russian operational-tactical missile complexes.
They come in several variants. Some are equipped with ballistic missiles, while others carry R-500 cruise missiles, which are similar to the Kalibr.
Officially, the system’s range is listed as 500 km. However, NATO and experts estimate it can reach 700 km or more. The Iskander-K variant, equipped with cruise missiles, can reach a range of between 1,500 and 2,000 km.
It is worth noting that Russia launches Iskander missiles from border regions. Due to their high speed and maneuverability, these missiles are difficult to intercept.
On June 1, Russia launched an Iskander missile strike on the 239th training ground in the Dnipropetrovsk region. According to the Ground Forces, 12 people were killed and over 60 were wounded in that attack.
By June 5, it became known that Ukrainian forces had hit Iskander missile systems in the Bryansk region. These systems were preparing to launch rockets at Kyiv.
