Presidential adviser reports Russian missile strike with cluster warhead on central Kyiv

Attack on historic buildings

The Russian Federation carried out a strike on the historic centre of Kyiv using an Iskander ballistic missile. This was reported by Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov, who specified that a K5-type cluster warhead was used for the attack.

Weapon characteristics and consequences

According to Beskrestnov, this warhead detonates in the air above the ground. Its purpose is to inflict maximum damage on personnel and equipment in an area measuring 400 by 400 metres. During the aerial explosion, 58 submunitions are activated.

“Ця бойова частина підривається над землею і призначена для максимального ураження людей і техніки на площі 400 на 400 метрів. У повітрі вибухають 58 бойових елементів. Удар не переслідував військових цілей — його завданням було зруйнувати частину старого міста і травмувати якомога більше людей. Є багато поранених серед цивільних і руйнування” (This warhead detonates above the ground and is designed to inflict maximum damage on people and equipment in an area of 400 by 400 metres. 58 submunitions explode in the air. The strike did not target military objectives — its task was to destroy part of the old town and injure as many people as possible. There are many injured among civilians and destruction), Serhiy Beskrestnov noted.

Moscow's position

Meanwhile, Russia has not officially acknowledged the fact of using cluster munitions against urban targets.