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Politics

Ukraine Says It Shot Down Russian Kinzhal Missile for First Time

  • Hypersonic weapon taken down in Kyiv region by Patriot systems
  • Russia has used pricey missile rarely in Ukraine conflict
MIG-31k fighter jet, with Kinzhal missile system, performs during Victory Day in Red Square. 

MIG-31k fighter jet, with Kinzhal missile system, performs during Victory Day in Red Square. 

Photographer: Yuri Kadobnov/AFP/Getty Images

Ukraine’s military confirmed the interception of a Russian “Kinzhal” hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile after it deployed Patriot air-defense systems obtained this spring from Western allies.

The rocket was launched from a Mikoyan MiG-31 fighter jet toward the Kyiv region in the early morning of May 4, according to Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukraine’s air force commander.