Russia strikes with new Zircon missile at dawn: Ihnat explains purpose

During a massive strike on November 14, Russian forces launched a Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missile from the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.

Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department for the Air Force Command, announced this on Suspilne.

Details about Russia’s use of the Zircon missile in Sumy are still being clarified. He says that “local communities and military administrations will provide more information according to territorial divisions.”

Throughout the war, Russian forces have previously launched this weapon. According to Ihnat, they are likely testing how the missile performs under real combat conditions

“Russia has used these missiles several times, mainly from the occupied Crimean Peninsula. It is an anti-ship missile,” Ihnat explains.

Zircon missile attack

At dawn, Russian forces struck Sumy region with a Zircon hypersonic missile. Around 07:00, air‑raid sirens sounded in multiple regions amid the danger of ballistic weapons. Powerful blasts rocked Sumy, with observers reporting the impact of a Zircon.

Head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration Oleh Hryhorov said the missile hit the territory of Sumy community. A section of the road toward Stare Selo was damaged, temporarily restricting traffic. No casualties were reported.