Ukraine reveals key feature of Russia's massive Zircon missile attack
Photo: Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force (Ukrinform)
The June 15 strike on Ukraine differed from previous large-scale Russian attacks. Russia launched 600 drones and 70 missiles of various types, according to Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat.
What makes this strike unusual
According to Ihnat, the Russian attack is very similar to the attack on June 2.
The main difference is that instead of Kalibr cruise missiles, Russia used Iskander-K missiles this time. The type of weapon has changed, but the overall nature of the strike remains similar.
What and how many were shot down by air defense
Detailed statistics from the Air Force spokesperson:
- Cruise missiles (Kh-101 and Iskander-K) — 100% shot down. They were destroyed by both anti-aircraft gunners and tactical aviation pilots, including F-16 pilots.
- Ballistic missiles (Iskander-M, S-400) – 15 out of 34 were shot down. Ihnat notes that this is a fairly high result for this type of attack.
- Zircons (which attack like ballistic missiles) — 5 missiles were shot down. According to the spokesperson, this is one of the best results specifically for this type.
- Drones — out of 611, 582 were shot down and intercepted.
Ballistic missiles: The main problem
"As for the targets shot down, unfortunately, the problem remains for us. It’s ballistic missiles," Ihnat says.
He notes that only the Patriot system is capable of shooting down ballistic missiles. That is why some of these missiles reached their targets.
In total, 20 missiles and 27 drones struck various areas. The following areas were affected:
- Strikes and civilian casualties in Kyiv
- Ballistic missile strikes in Khraliv
- Ballistic strikes in Dnipro
Russian attack is not over yet
Ihnat also warns that the Russian strike is continuing. Even outside of massive shelling, Russia launches drones daily, up to 200 per night and another 100 during the day.
Launches occur in small groups of 2–3 units in different directions.
"Dnipro is suffering severely from these attacks," the spokesperson adds.
As a result of the nighttime Russian strike on Kyiv, residential buildings, high-rises, and landmarks were damaged; in particular, the Lavra was hit. The number of injuries in Kyiv has risen to 30.
Meanwhile, the Russian massive strike also affected the Kyiv region. There, houses and cars were damaged, and a child was among the injured.
Russia struck the Dovzhenko Film Studio, one of the oldest in Ukraine. The country’s largest costume collection was destroyed.
