Russia strikes power plant near Kyiv with new Kh-69 missiles — report
Russia has likely used recently developed Kh-69 cruise missiles to destroy the Trypilska thermal power plant (TPP) near Kyiv on April 11, Ukrainian outlet Defense Express reports.
The assessment was made based on fragments of Kh-69 missiles, reportedly found at the impact site.
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The journalists have concluded that the range of the new missile is 400 kilometers. This exceeds previous estimates of Kh-69’s range, which was thought to be about 300 kilometers.
The first mention of the Kh-69's use dates back to early February 2024, though isolated instances occurred in 2023.
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The Kh-69 is a subsonic cruise missile launched from Su-34 and Su-35 tactical aircraft and is expected to become the primary cruise missile for the Su-57.
The report suggests that the new missile presents an even greater threat to Ukraine that Kinzhal supersonic aeroballistics missiles launched from MiG-31K aircraft. The April 11 attack reflects Kh-69’s ability to bypass what seems to be a depleted Ukrainian air defense. The use of the Kh-69, particularly launched from the Su-34 or Su-35, could become more prevalent due to the higher number of those aircraft Moscow has at its disposal.
Power grid operator Ukrenergo said that the destruction of Trypilska TPP decreased the generation capacity available during peak consumption hours.
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