Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Serhii Yaremenko revealed that all Kinzhal ballistic missiles fired by Russia at targets in Kyiv have been successfully intercepted since the U.S. provided Patriot air defense systems in May 2023. The Kinzhal missiles, launched from MiG-31K aircraft, pose a significant threat to Ukraine due to their operational range of 2,000 kilometers.
Prior to the deployment of Patriot systems, the advanced air-launched Kinzhal missile was considered almost impossible to intercept due to its hypersonic speed. Yaremenko emphasized the effectiveness of the Patriot systems in protecting Kyiv from over 20 Kinzhal missiles launched by Russia.
The successful interception of these missiles highlights the importance of additional air defenses for Ukraine as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian territories. President Zelensky has called for more support from Western partners to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities.