Hypersonics & missile strikes: Russia's assault on Ukraine in numbers

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia's defence ministry said there was "no threat to Ukraine's citizens" while declaring that it will not carry out missile strikes on Ukraine's cities.

Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian aircraft after loud explosions could be heard in Kharkiv including in eastern Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-loud-explosions-heard-in-kyiv-black-sea-port-of-odessa-455211">Also Read: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Live Blog as it happens</a>

Explosions were also heard in Ukraine's Black Sea port Odessa and capital Kyiv.

NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack saying "despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy".

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations told an emergency Security Council that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine was targeting "the junta" in power.

Russia said Ukraine's "air defences will be disabled" even as explosions were heard in Mariupol.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia's defence ministry said there was "no threat to Ukraine's citizens" while declaring that it will not carry out missile strikes on Ukraine's cities. Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian aircraft after loud explosions could be heard in Kharkiv including in eastern Ukraine. Also Read: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Live Blog as it happens Explosions were also heard in Ukraine's Black Sea port Odessa and capital Kyiv. NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack saying "despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy". Russia's ambassador to the United Nations told an emergency Security Council that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine was targeting "the junta" in power. Russia said Ukraine's "air defences will be disabled" even as explosions were heard in Mariupol. (With inputs from Agencies)

Won't carry out missile strikes on Ukraine's cities: Russian defence ministry

The number of Russian military stations surrounding Ukraine has risen to 149,000, according to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov.

"We are watching the divisions of the Russian troops, which number 129,000. And put together with naval and air components, this figure reaches 149,000," Oleksiy Reznikov told parliament.

Meanwhile, the Russian military launched large-scale strategic force drills on Friday, a striking reminder of the country's nuclear power amid Western fears that Moscow is planning an invasion of Ukraine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-tanks-returning-to-permanent-bases-after-drills-says-russia-454247">Also read | More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally observe Saturday's drill, which will include repeated mock launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. 
 
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The operations, according to the ministry, were planned a long time ago to test the military command and personnel's readiness, as well as the reliability of Russia's nuclear and conventional weapons.

The drills come after US Vice President Joe Biden warned on Thursday that Russia might attack Ukraine in a matter of days.&nbsp;

Western concerns centre on an estimated 150,000 Russian troops stationed near Ukraine's borders, accounting for around 60% of Russia's total field forces.

The Kremlin maintains that no invasion is planned. 
 
Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school

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Moscow, on the other hand, has requested that the United States and its allies keep Ukraine and other former Soviet republics out of NATO, refrain from deploying armaments in Ukraine, and withdraw NATO forces from Eastern Europe.

Moscow vowed to use unspecified "military-technical measures" if the West continued to stonewall. Washington and its allies flatly rejected the Russian demands.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of Russian military stations surrounding Ukraine has risen to 149,000, according to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov. "We are watching the divisions of the Russian troops, which number 129,000.

The number of Russian military stations surrounding Ukraine has risen to 149,000, according to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Oleksiy Reznikov. "We are watching the divisions of the Russian troops, which number 129,000. And put together with naval and air components, this figure reaches 149,000," Oleksiy Reznikov told parliament. Meanwhile, the Russian military launched large-scale strategic force drills on Friday, a striking reminder of the country's nuclear power amid Western fears that Moscow is planning an invasion of Ukraine. Also read | More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally observe Saturday's drill, which will include repeated mock launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force The operations, according to the ministry, were planned a long time ago to test the military command and personnel's readiness, as well as the reliability of Russia's nuclear and conventional weapons. The drills come after US Vice President Joe Biden warned on Thursday that Russia might attack Ukraine in a matter of days. Western concerns centre on an estimated 150,000 Russian troops stationed near Ukraine's borders, accounting for around 60% of Russia's total field forces. The Kremlin maintains that no invasion is planned. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school Moscow, on the other hand, has requested that the United States and its allies keep Ukraine and other former Soviet republics out of NATO, refrain from deploying armaments in Ukraine, and withdraw NATO forces from Eastern Europe. Moscow vowed to use unspecified "military-technical measures" if the West continued to stonewall. Washington and its allies flatly rejected the Russian demands. (With inputs from agencies)

Number of Russian troops around Ukraine reaches 149,000: Kyiv

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia said it was withdrawing more tanks and hardware from the border.

The move comes as European leaders are set to attend the Munich Security Conference with the Ukraine crisis set to dominate.

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Russia said a military train carrying personnel and equipment had returned to Nizhny Novgorod region after completing exercises. The defence forces added&nbsp;that ten warplanes were also pulled out&nbsp;of the Crimean region and were being redeployed in other regions for drills.

"Another military train carrying personnel and military equipment belonging to tank army units of the western military district returned to their permanent bases in the Nizhny Novgorod region after completing scheduled exercises," the Russian defence ministry said

Earlier this week Russia had announced it was pulling back some troops involved in drills in Belarus. Russian troops involved in military exercises in Crimea were also returning to their barracks, the military had claimed.

Watch:&nbsp;Our NATO bid process is stalled, says Ukraine president

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The US however said on Thursday that Russia had added 7,000 soldiers along Ukraine's border as President Biden warned that Putin's regime may resort to "false flag" operation to invade Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tsirkon-serial-production-russias-race-for-hypersonic-missiles-revealed-452075">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed</a>

The US claims Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along the Ukraine border in an attempt to invade the country&nbsp;which could take place at any moment. However, Russian President Putin had dismissed reports however he has said Russian troops can move around anywhere within their own territory.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia said it was withdrawing more tanks and hardware from the border. The move comes as European leaders are set to attend the Munich Security Conference with the Ukraine crisis set to dominate.

Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia said it was withdrawing more tanks and hardware from the border. The move comes as European leaders are set to attend the Munich Security Conference with the Ukraine crisis set to dominate. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force Russia said a military train carrying personnel and equipment had returned to Nizhny Novgorod region after completing exercises. The defence forces added that ten warplanes were also pulled out of the Crimean region and were being redeployed in other regions for drills. "Another military train carrying personnel and military equipment belonging to tank army units of the western military district returned to their permanent bases in the Nizhny Novgorod region after completing scheduled exercises," the Russian defence ministry said Earlier this week Russia had announced it was pulling back some troops involved in drills in Belarus. Russian troops involved in military exercises in Crimea were also returning to their barracks, the military had claimed. Watch: Our NATO bid process is stalled, says Ukraine president The US however said on Thursday that Russia had added 7,000 soldiers along Ukraine's border as President Biden warned that Putin's regime may resort to "false flag" operation to invade Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed The US claims Russia has massed over 100,000 troops along the Ukraine border in an attempt to invade the country which could take place at any moment. However, Russian President Putin had dismissed reports however he has said Russian troops can move around anywhere within their own territory. (With inputs from Agencies)

More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia

According to a report, Russian officials have expressed concern over President Putin's plan to invade Ukraine asserting that it could prove to be bloody and difficult.

US news network CNN reported that US officials had intercepted communications in which Russian officials were reportedly unclear about Russia's "gameplan".

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However, the report added that Russian officials were not opposed to Putin's plan on Ukraine and would not "revolt" against him. The US has warned Russia is set to invade Ukraine even as President Putin has repeatedly denied reports.

During the meeting with President Macron, the Russian president reportedly expressed his wish to "engage". Macron said, "President Putin assured me of his readiness to engage in this sense and his desire to maintain stability and the territorial integrity of Ukraine."

Putin had long drawn out meeting with President Macron while adding that "ideas, proposals... are possible as a basis for further steps".

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Putin however said that "it is not us who are moving towards NATO's borders" pointing at European and US forces. Russia had submitted a security document to NATO and US last month asking them not to allow ex-Soviet states into the military alliance pointing at Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand.

President Biden said it wouldn't allow the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project to go through if Russia invades Ukraine, a move which was backed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The German Chancellor will visit Russia and Ukraine next week in an attempt to de-escalate tensions.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to a report, Russian officials have expressed concern over President Putin's plan to invade Ukraine asserting that it could prove to be bloody and difficult.

According to a report, Russian officials have expressed concern over President Putin's plan to invade Ukraine asserting that it could prove to be bloody and difficult. US news network CNN reported that US officials had intercepted communications in which Russian officials were reportedly unclear about Russia's "gameplan". Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets However, the report added that Russian officials were not opposed to Putin's plan on Ukraine and would not "revolt" against him. The US has warned Russia is set to invade Ukraine even as President Putin has repeatedly denied reports. During the meeting with President Macron, the Russian president reportedly expressed his wish to "engage". Macron said, "President Putin assured me of his readiness to engage in this sense and his desire to maintain stability and the territorial integrity of Ukraine." Putin had long drawn out meeting with President Macron while adding that "ideas, proposals... are possible as a basis for further steps". Also Read in Pics| Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Putin however said that "it is not us who are moving towards NATO's borders" pointing at European and US forces. Russia had submitted a security document to NATO and US last month asking them not to allow ex-Soviet states into the military alliance pointing at Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand. President Biden said it wouldn't allow the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project to go through if Russia invades Ukraine, a move which was backed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The German Chancellor will visit Russia and Ukraine next week in an attempt to de-escalate tensions. (With inputs from Agencies)

Some Russian officials feel Ukraine invasion will be bloodier than anticipated: Report

Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed

According to a report, China conducted two hypersonic missile tests in July and August and not just one test as reported earlier.

Financial Times of London had reported last week that Xi's regime had tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August. The newspaper claimed today that China had in fact conducted two tests - the first on July 27 and another on August&nbsp;13.

China had dismissed reports that it had conducted the test when the first report came out declaring that it was a "space vehicle" and not a missile.

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US President Joe Biden however had expressed concern over the surprise tests conducted by China. The London-based newspaper claimed China launched the missile as it travelled through space and circled around the globe and then came down to hit a target which it reportedly missed by a few miles.

China's foreign ministry while denying the report said that the single test had taken place in July and not August and that it was a "routine test".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-denies-nuclear-capable-hypersonic-missile-test-report-421955">Watch:&nbsp;China denies nuclear-capable hypersonic missile test report</a>

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China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the test was meant to "verify technology of spacecraft’s reusability" conducted for peaceful purposes. The aim of the test according to the Chinese spokesman was to reduce the cost of using spacecraft.&nbsp;

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Hypersonic missiles can reportedly evade advanced radars as it travels more than five times the speed of sound over the upper atmosphere making it one of the most advanced weapons in modern warfare.

As China denied reports, Russia backed China asserting that "China is developing its arms systems within the framework of its international obligations."

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Russia which has tested hypersonic missiles of its own said that it does not break "international obligations with regards to arms control".&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to a report, China conducted two hypersonic missile tests in July and August and not just one test as reported earlier. Financial Times of London had reported last week that Xi's regime had tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August.

According to a report, China conducted two hypersonic missile tests in July and August and not just one test as reported earlier. Financial Times of London had reported last week that Xi's regime had tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August. The newspaper claimed today that China had in fact conducted two tests - the first on July 27 and another on August 13. China had dismissed reports that it had conducted the test when the first report came out declaring that it was a "space vehicle" and not a missile. Also Read: With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials US President Joe Biden however had expressed concern over the surprise tests conducted by China. The London-based newspaper claimed China launched the missile as it travelled through space and circled around the globe and then came down to hit a target which it reportedly missed by a few miles. China's foreign ministry while denying the report said that the single test had taken place in July and not August and that it was a "routine test". Watch: China denies nuclear-capable hypersonic missile test report China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the test was meant to "verify technology of spacecraft’s reusability" conducted for peaceful purposes. The aim of the test according to the Chinese spokesman was to reduce the cost of using spacecraft. Also Read: US Air Force, DARPA, Raytheon successfully tested hypersonic missile Hypersonic missiles can reportedly evade advanced radars as it travels more than five times the speed of sound over the upper atmosphere making it one of the most advanced weapons in modern warfare. As China denied reports, Russia backed China asserting that "China is developing its arms systems within the framework of its international obligations." Also Read: In a first, Russia launches Tsirkon hypersonic missile from submarine Russia which has tested hypersonic missiles of its own said that it does not break "international obligations with regards to arms control". (With inputs from Agencies)

China conducted two hypersonic missile tests: Report

After China reportedly tested a hypersonic missile, Russia said China was developing arms systems "within the framework of international obligations".

Kremlin said, "United States is also testing hypersonic weapons," while asserting that Russia does not break its international obligations in arms control.

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The Kremlin spokesman said Russia takes measures aimed at "ensuring our own security amid actions that the United States take under their missile defence program."

The development comes as China denied reports it had tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile stating that it tested a "space vehicle" calling it a "routine test".

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Reports claimed China had tested the hypersonic missile in August which flew in space and circled the globe before heading towards its target which it reportedly missed by miles.

However, China claimed the test was carried out in July and not August while adding that it was "supporting equipment of the spacecraft" which had burned and disintegrated as it fell in the atmosphere before falling into the high seas.

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After the report emerged, US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said the Biden administration was concerned about the Chinese hypersonic test while adding that China and Russia had pursued the hypersonic technology for military use "very actively".

Wood informed that Russia has a hypersonic glide vehicle called the "Avangard" which he said was a "heavy ICBM" describing it as "worrisome".

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US defence secretary Lloyd Austin had said that the government was closely watching China as it builds its armament and advanced capabilities, asserting that it "will only increase tensions in the region".

(With inputs from Agencies)

After China reportedly tested a hypersonic missile, Russia said China was developing arms systems "within the framework of international obligations". Kremlin said, "United States is also testing hypersonic weapons," while asserting that Russia does not break its international obligations in arms control.

After China reportedly tested a hypersonic missile, Russia said China was developing arms systems "within the framework of international obligations". Kremlin said, "United States is also testing hypersonic weapons," while asserting that Russia does not break its international obligations in arms control. Also Read: In a first, Russia launches Tsirkon hypersonic missile from submarine The Kremlin spokesman said Russia takes measures aimed at "ensuring our own security amid actions that the United States take under their missile defence program." The development comes as China denied reports it had tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile stating that it tested a "space vehicle" calling it a "routine test". Watch: Did China test hypersonic nuclear missiles? Reports claimed China had tested the hypersonic missile in August which flew in space and circled the globe before heading towards its target which it reportedly missed by miles. However, China claimed the test was carried out in July and not August while adding that it was "supporting equipment of the spacecraft" which had burned and disintegrated as it fell in the atmosphere before falling into the high seas. Also Read: With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials After the report emerged, US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said the Biden administration was concerned about the Chinese hypersonic test while adding that China and Russia had pursued the hypersonic technology for military use "very actively". Wood informed that Russia has a hypersonic glide vehicle called the "Avangard" which he said was a "heavy ICBM" describing it as "worrisome". Also Read: US 'concerned' as China denies it conducted hypersonic missile test US defence secretary Lloyd Austin had said that the government was closely watching China as it builds its armament and advanced capabilities, asserting that it "will only increase tensions in the region". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia backs China over hypersonic test row

Just a month after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-condemns-attack-on-periyars-statue-says-nothing-but-barbarism-36500">President Putin declared that Russia is </a>building &quot;invincible&quot; weapons, China&#39;s state-run news agency has said the country is building &quot;the world&#39;s fastest hypersonic wind tunnel&quot;.

The hypersonic wind tunnel is used for super fast airplanes which travel faster than today&#39;s planes, while at the same time it also boosts the development of missile technology.

The hypersonic wind tunnel helps to improve aerodynamics as the plane reaches top speed.

&quot;The 265-meter-long tunnel can be used to test hypersonic aircraft that can travel at speeds of up to Mach 25 (30,625 kph), 25 times the speed of sound,&quot; Han Guilai, a researcher with China&#39;s State Key Laboratory of High Temperature Gas Dynamics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was quoted by AFP as saying.

The &quot;weapon&quot; or airplane can travel at five times the speed of sound, or more, experts say.

The hunt for hypersonic weapons&nbsp;is primarily being driven by the US but Russia and China have lately joined the race making it another arms race a realistic possibility.

US Air Force had recently said the X-51A Waverider cruise missile, tested in 2012, could travel at speeds faster than Mach 6 (3,600 miles per hour, 5,800 kph).

The Xinhua report said the Chinese Academy of Sciences had already simulated a hypersonic plane flight in its current wind tunnel at speeds &quot;ranging from Mach 5 and 9&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The hypersonic wind tunnel helps to improve aerodynamics as the plane reaches top speed.

Just a month after President Putin declared that Russia is building "invincible" weapons, China's state-run news agency has said the country is building "the world's fastest hypersonic wind tunnel". The hypersonic wind tunnel is used for super fast airplanes which travel faster than today's planes, while at the same time it also boosts the development of missile technology. The hypersonic wind tunnel helps to improve aerodynamics as the plane reaches top speed. "The 265-meter-long tunnel can be used to test hypersonic aircraft that can travel at speeds of up to Mach 25 (30,625 kph), 25 times the speed of sound," Han Guilai, a researcher with China's State Key Laboratory of High Temperature Gas Dynamics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was quoted by AFP as saying. The "weapon" or airplane can travel at five times the speed of sound, or more, experts say. The hunt for hypersonic weapons is primarily being driven by the US but Russia and China have lately joined the race making it another arms race a realistic possibility. US Air Force had recently said the X-51A Waverider cruise missile, tested in 2012, could travel at speeds faster than Mach 6 (3,600 miles per hour, 5,800 kph). The Xinhua report said the Chinese Academy of Sciences had already simulated a hypersonic plane flight in its current wind tunnel at speeds "ranging from Mach 5 and 9".

China building world's fastest hypersonic wind tunnel: Report