Russia unleashed a massive missile strike on Ukraine on August 26 using a variety of weapons, including kamikaze drones and long-range strategic Tupolev bombers. The attack targeted regions across Ukraine, triggering a swift response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Included in the assault were Geran-2 drones, MiG-31 aircraft armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander-M and Bastion land-based systems, and Kalibr missiles launched from naval vessels. The sheer scale and variety of missiles used marked it as one of the largest strikes since Ukraine’s special military operation began.
The attack was reportedly in retaliation for Ukraine’s alleged incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, as stated by State Duma members. The use of advanced weaponry like Kinzhal missiles with a speed of 4,080 m/s and Kalibr missiles from submarines showcased Russia’s military capabilities.
The development of these missiles to bypass air defenses and target locations up to 2,800 km away signifies a concerning escalation in the conflict, with both sides bracing for further retaliation.