Russia Launches Kinzhal Missiles on Kyiv; Ukrainian Defenses Successfully Intercept

On October 7, 2024, Russia launched a missile strike on Kyiv, using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles for the first time since August. The missiles, fired from MiG-31K fighter jets, targeted the Ukrainian capital during rush hour. However, Ukrainian air defense systems, including the Patriot system, successfully intercepted the incoming missiles, averting major damage and casualties. Learn more about the role of Patriot systems in intercepting hypersonic threats.

Details of the Attack

The missiles targeted several districts in Kyiv, including Solomyansky, Holosiivsky, and Shevchenkivsky. Debris from the intercepted missiles damaged a multi-story residential building, a school roof, and a vehicle. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported. Read more about the damages reported in Kyiv Post.

This attack adds to the ongoing escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine, as missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities have been a regular occurrence since the onset of the conflict in February 2022. For more on recent missile strikes on Ukrainian urban centers, see our analysis.

Defense Against the Kinzhal Missile

The Kinzhal missile, which Russia claims is hypersonic, travels at speeds up to Mach 10 (12,250 km/h). Despite its high speed, Ukrainian forces have been able to intercept these missiles with the Patriot defense system, which has proven essential in countering Russian ballistic threats. Since Ukraine received the Patriot system, all Kinzhal missiles launched at Kyiv have been intercepted, undermining Russia’s claims about the missile’s supposed invincibility. Learn more about Ukraine’s defense strategies.

Western analysts and military experts have questioned Russia’s claims regarding the Kinzhal’s hypersonic capabilities, noting that the missile’s speed drops significantly during its terminal phase. Explore more expert opinions in The New Voice of Ukraine.

Broader Conflict Context

The missile attack on Kyiv followed a Ukrainian strike on a major oil terminal in Russian-occupied Crimea earlier the same day. This continued exchange of attacks underscores the rising tensions and the ongoing battle between Ukraine and Russia over critical infrastructure. Details of the Ukrainian strike on Crimea can be found here.

For a comprehensive overview of the recent escalations, refer to our Timeline of Recent Escalations in the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict.

Related External Resources

• Kyiv Post: Ukraine Downs Two Kinzhal Missiles Over Kyiv
• The New Voice of Ukraine: How Ukraine Intercepts Kinzhal Missiles with Patriot Systems
• Al Arabiya News: Ukraine Repels Russian ‘Kinzhal’ Missile Strike on Kyiv

This latest missile attack highlights both the continued risk posed by Russian military aggression and the resilience of Ukrainian defense systems, which have consistently protected the capital from direct hits.

For more on the impact of missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, explore our article.