Russian troops used the latest Zirkon missile to strike Kyiv

Russian troops used the 3M22 Zirkon hypersonic missile during the shelling of Kyiv on 7 February. This is the conclusion reached by the expertise of the Kyiv Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (KRIFE). This was reported by the Kiev city military administration on 12 February.

The experts of KRIFE are conducting a study of Russian missiles, which the enemy used to attack Ukraine on 7 February 2024. "According to preliminary information, we do have the fact of use of missile 3M22 Zirkon", - stated in the message.

It is noted that this is evidenced by the markings on parts and debris, identification of units and parts, features of the relevant type of weapon. The missile was headed to an area where there are no military facilities, civilian infrastructure and civilians were affected.

In general, there are parts in Russian missiles that can be used in several types of products at once, others are nodes only for specific samples. In this case, we see elements that are specific to the 3M22 Zirkon missile. Specific markings have parts and fragments of the jet engine and steering mechanisms, - reports KRIFE.

It is specified that microelectronics is little preserved and practically cannot be analysed due to physical damage. Measures are being carried out to determine the composition of metal from fragments of the rocket body and thermal insulation materials.

Significant fragmentation of the missile makes identification difficult, but we can already say that the weapon does not meet the tactical and technical characteristics declared by the enemy. In the course of further expert examination, all possible information will be detailed," the report said.

3M22 Zirkon is an anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile, adopted for service by the Russian Federation in January 2023. The Russian Federation claimed the following characteristics: range - 600-1500 km, speed up to Mach 8-9, mass of the warhead about 300-400 kg, length 8-10 m.