Since April, Russia has launched dozens of old Kh-22 anti-ship missiles across Ukraine probably due to the fact that it is running short of more precise modern missiles.
The UK Ministry of Defense said this in its latest intelligence update published on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.
According to the statement, since April, Russian medium bombers have likely launched dozens of 1960s era Kh-22 air-launched, heavy anti-ship missiles, primarily designed to destroy aircraft carriers, against land targets due to the lack of “more precise modern missiles.”
When employed in a ground attack role with a conventional warhead, such missiles are “highly inaccurate” and can therefore cause significant collateral damage and civilian casualties, the ministry said.
At the same time, British intelligence noted that Ukrainian air defenses still deter Russian tactical aircraft from conducting strikes across much of the country.
Intelligence also said that as of 10 June, Russian forces around Sievierodonetsk have not made advances into the south of the city but “intense street to street fighting is ongoing and both sides are likely suffering high numbers of casualties.”
Russian troops tried to establish full control over the Luhansk region by June 10, but, according to Serhii Haidai, head of the regional military administration, the Russian command has already called a new deadline – Russia Day, which falls on June 12.
Source: Russia using Soviet missiles against Ukraine due to lack of modern weapons - British intelligence
