Russia’s deployment of hypersonic missiles was a warning to Ukraine and the west that it “has the means to escalate” the conflict further, a defence expert has said.
Dr James Bosbotinis, a specialist in defence and international affairs, told the BBC it was not possible for the Ukrainian army to defend itself against attacks by these missiles. “The speed of the Kinzhal puts it beyond the reach of any Ukrainian air defence system and the launch platforms can launch from ranges beyond the reach of Ukraine,” he said, adding that the hypersonic missile was probably launched from southern Russia.
Bosbotinis said hitting the “high-value target” of an underground military depot was “sending the message to Ukraine that Russia has the means to escalate this conflict further ... It’s also a warning to the west that Russia can of course, up the ante in Ukraine and the Kinzhal could also be deployed if the war escalated and drew in external powers.” He said it was “messaging” that Russia could hit targets in other parts of Europe.