Ukrainian State Emergency Service demining teams have successfully neutralized a warhead from a Russian Kinzhal missile, nearly two months after it was launched during a large-scale attack on Ukraine.
Eliminated Threat
The official report states that emergency crews acted swiftly and professionally to eliminate the threat and protect residents in the region from potential explosions.
The missile remnants were found in the Lviv region, a significant target despite its location near Ukraine’s border with Poland and NATO territories. Russian forces have repeatedly launched attacks on this area, bringing the high-speed, hypersonic Kinzhal missiles into play, according to WP.
Known for their speeds of over Mach 5 (about 3,800 mph), these missiles can reportedly reach up to Mach 10, although military analysts suggest speeds closer to Mach 8 are more realistic.
Their high velocity makes them difficult to intercept, yet American Patriot missile defense systems have shown notable success in countering Kinzhals throughout the conflict.
Vast Amount of Mines
The Kinzhal missiles, each weighing over 4.5 tons, are typically deployed from MiG-31K fighter jets but can also be launched from Tu-22M bombers. With a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (about 1,240 miles), these missiles can reach far into Ukrainian territory.
The debris found by Ukrainian forces underscores the persistent danger that Russian missile attacks pose to Ukrainian communities, even those near NATO borders.
This recent warhead discovery is part of an ongoing trend. Ukrainian deminers regularly encounter remnants of various Russian weaponry, and experts expect that clearing these hazardous materials will continue well beyond the war’s end.
In addition to missile debris, Russian forces have left behind vast amounts of unexploded ordnance and mines. A 2023 report by the UK Ministry of Defense identified Ukraine as the most heavily mined country in the world, highlighting the long-term threat these explosive remnants pose to civilians and post-war recovery efforts.
