The Russian Federation used the Zircon hypersonic missile for the second time in the war against Ukraine. Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Examinations (KNDISE), announced this. The attack took place on the night of November 16-17, on the eve of the 1,000th day since the start of the full-scale war.
On the eve of the 1000th day of the full-scale war, Russia intensified its shelling on the territory of Ukraine, using almost all known means of destruction, which were used since the beginning of military aggression. As a result of the shelling on November 16-17, the experts of the Kyiv Research Institute of Forensic Examinations established the use of the Russian 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile. This is the second case of confirmation by our specialists of the fact of using this type of weapon
According to the head of Kyiv NDISE, "Zirkon" is a new development of the Russian military-industrial complex. The corresponding missile was put into service in January 2023, and already in February 2023, experts recorded its use on the territory of Ukraine for the first time.
In open sources, Russia states that the 3M22 "Zirkon" should develop a speed of up to Mach 9 and be almost invulnerable, but the air defense forces of Ukraine manage to successfully eliminate it. That is, as in the case of "Dagger", there are all the facts that the indicators and characteristics are overestimated. At the same time, even after being shot down, parts and fragments of Russian weapons can also be dangerous, so responding to alarms is the area of personal responsibility of all citizens
According to experts, the use of Zircon is another signal to the whole world about Russia's readiness to use new weapons even against civilian objects. This is a challenge for the international community, which should strengthen sanctions and support Ukraine in resisting this aggression.
"Our specialists worked at the scene. The use of "Zircon" is confirmed by markings on parts and fragments of weapons and characteristic technical features characteristic of this type of rocket. Laboratory studies on the analysis of the composition of materials will also be conducted," Ruvin concluded.
KNDISE continues to remain at the forefront of the scientific struggle for justice and truth, documenting the crimes of the aggressor and helping to protect our country. Coordinated action by all services and unity brings our victory closer, and a prepared evidence base will be the basis for international courts and tribunals to hold the guilty accountable.
Let's add
Earlier, the Kyiv Scientific and Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (KNDISE) reported that during the attacks on the territory of Ukraine, which took place on October 26-29, the Russians used shock drones with a thermobaric warhead.
It is worth noting that the Russians are constantly trying to modify and modernize all the types of missiles and drones they have, which are used for attacks on Ukraine. KNDISE specialists told what specific features are in question and what role western components play in changes to enemy weapons. The enemy uses not only Western components. According to Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Examinations, about 50 manufacturers from China supply components for UAVs, which the enemy is using to attack Ukraine.
In addition, KNDISE experts established that the Russian X-69 missiles, which the occupiers use to attack Ukraine, are made of several types of weapons and have foreign components.
