Russia is now using 1960s era missiles
(Picture: AP)Russian forces are beginning to run short of “precise modern missiles” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said in its latest update.
With fighting raging in the east of Ukraine, the MoD reports the Russian military has been using 1960s era Kh-22 anti-ship missiles on land targets.
The missiles are usually used on aircraft carriers and if used on land targets, “can cause significant collateral damage” and civilian casualties, the ministry added.
The MoD said: “Since April, Russian medium bombers have likely launched dozens of 1960s era Kh-22 (NATO designation, AS-4 KITCHEN) air-launched, heavy anti-ship missiles against land targets.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 11 June 2022
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“These 5.5 tonne missiles were primarily designed to destroy aircraft carriers using a nuclear warhead. When employed in a ground attack role with a conventional warhead they are highly inaccurate and can therefore cause significant collateral damage and civilian casualties.”
“Russia is likely resorting to such inefficient weapon systems because it is running short of more precise modern missiles, while Ukrainian air defences still deter its tactical aircraft from conducting strikes across much of the country.”
The ministry also said Russian forces are yet to make significant advances into the south of Severodonetsk, where fighting has intensified over the last few weeks.
Due to intense fighting, the MoD reported that both sides are experiencing heavy casualties, but that Ukraine’s air defences have still managed to deter Russian tactical aircrafty from conducting strikes across the country.
In Mariupol, however, the MoD claimed the city is at risk of a major choelra outbreak.
A senior Ukrainian presidential aide also claimed that Ukraine is losing between 100 and 200 troops a day on the front line.
Mykhaylo Podolyak said: “The Russian forces have thrown pretty much everything non-nuclear at the front and that includes heavy artillery, multiple rocket launch systems and aviation.”
He also insisted Kyiv is not read yfor peace talks and called for further western artillery systems in the Donbas region.
