During the Russian attack on Ukraine, about 90 missiles and drones were reportedly fired in the past 24 hours. Including the so-called Kinzhal missile, a hypersonic cruise missile of which the Russians only have fifty. “This is what everyone was already afraid of. It is the fastest weapon in the world and there is no defense against it,’ says BNR’s foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg.
The Ukrainians have been able to shoot down many of the traditional cruise missiles and drones. ‘But you have no weapon against this,’ says Hammelburg. “So that’s scary.” The weapon was previously announced by the Russians, but its actual existence has long been questioned.
‘You have no weapon against this’
Harassment
“When it was first shown on a float, many experts said it was an empty shell. That has happened more than once. But that is not the case, the thing really exists.’ Its use, according to Hammelburg, is therefore a form of intimidation. And that could also be intimidating. To show that Western anti-aircraft guns cannot withstand this weapon. And they’re right too.’
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According to Hammelburg, the deployment of the hypersonic and other regular missiles may be part of the spring offensive that has been announced more often. ‘We often think of the deployment of those ground troops, but this could also be part of such an offensive.’
Nuclear power plant
Many utilities were once again affected by the attacks. In addition to the water and electricity supply, the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant was also hit. The plant, in Russian hands, is without power and is powered by generators.
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At the same time, the battle around Bachmoet continues. “An unimaginable carnage, and it’s still not over,” says Hammelburg. ‘Most of the city is in the hands of the Russians, but the Ukrainians persist. Their argument is that this weakens the opponent, making the Russian presence in the Donbas region more difficult. I just wonder if that reasoning is correct.’
