Russia claims to have successfully tested ‘unparalleled weapons’

Reuters The Russian Defense Ministry quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that the missile was fired from the Barents Sea and hit its target in the White Sea. Video released by the ministry shows the rocket being launched from a ship and ascending into the sky on a steep trajectory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin once described the Zircon hypersonic missile as part of a new generation of unparalleled weapons systems. It can travel at 9 times the speed of sound. Russia has conducted previous Zircon tests from warships and submarines in the past year.

Last month, Russia also successfully test-fired a new nuclear-capable intercontinental missile, the Sarmat. This missile can carry more than 10 warheads and reach the entire US territory.

Russia tested the Zircon hypersonic missile in the White Sea in 2019. Photo: Reuters

In another development, Ukrainian presidential adviser and peace negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak warned on May 28 that any agreement with Russia cannot be trusted.

After Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, Moscow and Kiev blamed each other for stalled peace talks. The most recent “face-to-face” talks between the two sides are said to have taken place on March 29.

The Kremlin said earlier in May that Ukraine was “not ready to continue peace talks”. In contrast, officials in Kyiv blamed Russia for the lack of progress in negotiations.

Mr. Mykhailo Podolyak. Photo: Reuters

Regarding Russia’s military operation in eastern Ukraine, Luhansk Region Governor Serhiy Gaidai confirmed that Russian forces had entered Sievierodonetsk, the largest city in the Donbas region still held by Ukraine. Mr. Gaidai said 90% of buildings in the city were damaged.

“The Russians will not be able to capture the Luhansk region – which includes Sievierodonetsk and the city of Lysychansk – in the coming days as analysts predict. We have enough strength and resources to defend. surrounded, we will have to retreat,” Mr. Gaidai said.

Pro-Russian separatists claim they have control of Lyman, a railway hub west of Sievierodonetsk. Ukraine says Russian forces have captured most of Lyman but that they are blocking Russian forces from advancing towards Sloviansk.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed that Ukraine will defend its territory “within the framework of our current defense resources that allow”.