Russia fires hypersonic missile at Ukraine's Mykolaiv “Kinzhal” in motion / VIDEO

The Russian Armed Forces have launched a hypersonic "Kinzhal" missile at the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, marking the first known use of this weapon against the city since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The strike was confirmed by the head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, Vitalii Kim, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media. 

According to officials, the air raid alert in Mykolaiv region was issued at 09:50 local time, moments after the launch of a Russian MiG-31K fighter jet—known to be equipped with the air-launched "Kinzhal" missile—was detected.

Initial monitoring suggested that the missile might be heading toward Kyiv. However, at approximately 09:59, just minutes after launch, the warhead detonated over Mykolaiv, located some 400 kilometres south of the Ukrainian capital.

Столб дыма поднимается в Николаеве после прилёта.

Украинские СМИ пишут, что это первый случай применения «Кинжалов» для ударов по городу. Сообщается о перебоях с электричеством pic.twitter.com/9HNIYltL0h

— RT_russian (@RT_russian) June 3, 2025

Eyewitnesses in Mykolaiv reported widespread power outages following the explosion. Social media channels circulated images and videos of a towering plume of smoke rising from the impact zone.

The "Kinzhal," a hypersonic missile capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 10, has been touted by Moscow as a weapon capable of evading modern air defences. Its use against Mykolaiv may signal a renewed emphasis on high-impact, precision strikes by Russian forces amid the ongoing conflict.

By Khagan Isayev