Putin says Zircon missiles were used against Ukraine: what is known and where they were aimed

Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin said that Russian occupation forces used 3M22 Zircon missiles "in combat." According to experts from the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, on February 7, Russia struck Kyiv with this hypersonic missile.

The statement about the use of the Zircon Putin made the announcement during his address to the Federal Assembly. In this way, he also admitted that Russia had fired these missiles at Ukraine.

According to the dictator, the "sea-based hypersonic complex" Zircon is already in service with the occupiers.

"The Zircon sea-based hypersonic strike system has already been used in the battle, this system is already in service," Putin said.

Earlier, experts from the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise were the first to officially report that on February 7, Russia used Zircon missiles during a strike on Ukraine.

"There is indeed evidence of the use of a 3M22 Zircon missile. This is evidenced by the markings on the parts and debris, the identification of components and parts, and the features of the relevant type of weapon," said Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the institute.

He explained that, in general, Russian missiles have parts that can be used in several types of products, while other components are designed only for specific models.

Ruvin noted that the missile's microelectronics were almost completely destroyed, making it difficult to analyze. However, even the available data suggests that the missile does not meet the established technical parameters.

What is known about the Russian Zircon missile?

The 3M22 Tsirkon missile is a Russian hypersonic anti-ship missile designed to replace the P-700 heavy anti-ship missile developed in the 70s and 80s of the last century.

There is almost no information on the technical characteristics of the Zircon, but the following is known from what the Russians themselves have announced:

• The strike range is from 600 to 1000 kilometers;

• flight speed - up to nine strokes;
• weight of the warhead - from 300 to 400 kilograms;
• length - from 8 to 10 meters;
• two-stage propulsion system (first stage - solid fuel, second stage - air-jet).

The missile can be launched both from ships and from the Bastion ground-based complex. In addition, there is a possibility of launching the Zircon from the underground coastal missile complex Object-100 in Crimea.

Dictator Vladimir Putin personally praised this "superweapon" during its presentation in 2019.

It is worth noting that on Thursday, February 29, at 11:00 am Kyiv time, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin began his speech with a message to the Federal Assembly. In his speech, the mad dictator expectedly spoke about the war in Ukraine.

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