AMK Mapping, an X account specializing in open-source intelligence data on the war in Ukraine, released a video today taken by Kyiv residents. The video shows at least two Russian Iskander-K cruise missiles hitting a burning warehouse complex in the city early in the morning, causing large explosions.
About 20 seconds later, another projectile streaks toward the warehouse complex and explodes at low altitude. "It seems that it was a Ukrainian air defense missile that self-destructed during its approach to the target," the account stated.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the same day that it had conducted a combined strike using long-range precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting a long-range UAV assembly and deployment facility, the Kiev-67 industrial plant in the western suburbs, and the STS-Group logistics base south of Kyiv, as well as military airfields in central, southern, and eastern Ukraine.
"The strike achieved its objectives, all designated targets were hit. No weapons were aimed at targets within Kyiv," the ministry said, seemingly refuting accusations by Ukrainian officials that Russia targeted government buildings in the neighboring country.
The Ukrainian Air Force Command previously reported that Russia had launched 810 suicide and decoy UAVs, 9 Iskander-K cruise missiles, and 4 Iskander-M ballistic missiles in the morning attack on 7/9. "Air defense units shot down or jammed 747 UAVs and 4 Iskander-K missiles. 9 missiles and 54 UAVs hit 33 locations, with debris also falling in 8 areas," the statement said.
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Location of Kyiv, Ukraine. Graphics: RYV |
Russia's 7/9 attack is considered its largest to date, occurring after 26 European countries pledged security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. Some European nations have indicated their willingness to deploy troops to Ukraine, while others have declared military support or are awaiting action from the US before making a decision.
President Vladimir Putin warned on 5/9 that Russia would attack any Western forces entering Ukraine, arguing that the presence of foreign troops was "unnecessary for a peace agreement".
Nguyen Tien (According to RIA Novosti, AFP, AP)
