Russia reports use of hypersonic missiles

Russia has used hypersonic missiles to destroy military targets in Ukraine, Russia’s defense ministry reported, according to state news agency Interfax. The ministry says a large underground depot containing missiles and ammunition for aircraft has been hit in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, in western Ukraine.

According to the state news agency RIA, it is the first time that Russia has used hypersonic missiles since the start of the “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Hypersonic rockets are more unpredictable than traditional rockets because they can still maneuver after launch. They are also many times faster than regular rockets.

Russia says Ukrainian military radio and reconnaissance centers were also destroyed near the port city of Odessa. A traditional rocket would have been used. The statements of the Russian ministry could not be independently verified.