Ukraine: Air Defense Thwarts Further Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv

Image copyright: AP photos [via AP News]

The Facts

  • In the early hours of Tuesday, for the eighth time this month, Russia launched a wave of missiles and drones at Kyiv. Serhii Popko, head of the military administration in the capital, said the latest attack was "exceptional in its density — the maximum number of attacking missiles in the shortest period of time."

  • Nonetheless, Ukrainian officials said that all 18 missiles fired at Kyiv were shot down by air defenses, including six Kinzhal missiles — one of the most advanced weapons in Russia's arsenal.


The Spin

Pro-Ukraine narrative

Thanks to the work of air defenses, Ukraine destroyed all 18 of the missiles fired by Russia in the latest attack, while minimal damage was recorded to infrastructure and buildings. Moscow's vicious assault was effectively countered in this success for Ukraine.

Pro-Russia narrative

Using its advanced Kinzhal missiles, Russia destroyed Ukraine's recently delivered US Patriot air defense system and also hit Ukrainian units and ammunition storage facilities. The high-precision strikes were a strategic victory that has denied Kyiv use of a key piece of military technology and deprived Ukraine of crucial resources.


Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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