Russia launches hypersonic missile attack on Ukraine's artillery production facility

The Russian Defense Ministry said on January 13 that Russia's attack this time targeted Ukraine's artillery and drone production facilities, including a facility producing 155mm, 152mm, and 125mm artillery shells for tanks, a drone factory, and a gunpowder factory.

The weapons used by Russia in this attack included Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and drones. The Russian Defense Ministry did not disclose the exact number of targets, locations or amount of ammunition used.

Russia's 'Kinzhal' hypersonic missile. (Photo: Sputnik)

However, Ukrainian media reported that Russian forces launched about 40 missiles. Ukraine recorded damage in the city of Dnieper and the northern region of Sumsky. According to Ukrainian officials, the country's military only shot down 8 of the 40 Russian missiles.

The shelling was carried out by Russia just days after Ukrainian forces attacked the city of Belgorod - which has been shelled by Kiev for months.

Previously, Moscow repeatedly declared that its forces only attacked military targets or related infrastructure in Ukraine.

Since December 30, 2023, Ukraine has carried out numerous long-range missile attacks. Russia has responded by repeatedly attacking Ukrainian military-industrial complexes, missile and ammunition depots. In addition, equipment warehouses sent to Kiev by the US and its allies have also been targeted by Russian bombardment.

To prevent a wave of attacks from the enemy, Kiev is considering targeting airports and missile launch sites on the other side of the border. This is certainly a difficult challenge, given Ukraine's limited long-range missile and artillery capabilities.

Ukraine needs more interceptor missile batteries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stressed that Kiev is "severely lacking" these weapons. He revealed that Ukraine is currently unable to coordinate with partners to produce modern air defense systems.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has lasted for nearly two years and has gradually become a war of attrition. There has been a feeling of fatigue in the US and other Western countries that have provided aid to Kiev. Many countries are considering continuing to pump money and military aid into Kiev to fight against Moscow. Slovakia is one of the countries that has announced a halt in aid to Ukraine.

In the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict falling into a stalemate, many peace proposals for the conflict have been put forward, but have not yet brought results due to differences in viewpoints between Russia and Ukraine.

The West has been continuously supplying weapons to Ukraine to confront Russia. Moscow believes that the decision of the US and NATO countries to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine makes negotiations between Russia and Ukraine “meaningless”.

Russia has repeatedly accused the US and its allies of deliberately trying to prolong the conflict, warning the West not to provide weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing that this would only escalate the conflict and cause unnecessary casualties without changing the situation of the war.

Kong Anh (Source: RT)

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