Russia launches frigate with Zircon hypersonic missile on eve of G7 summit

Sky News reported the information.

The exercises are happening against the backdrop of the upcoming G7 summit, scheduled for February 24. According to media reports, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to take part in it.

The frigate, armed with a Zircon missile, has been deployed for 10 days of joint exercises in the Indian Ocean. The vessel docked in Cape Town last weekend, bearing the notorious letters Z and V that Russian forces have used to promote the invasion. Information that Russia will test-fire a hypersonic missile has not been confirmed. The South African government, headed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, publicly declares a neutral position on the war in Ukraine.

The outlet notes that South Africa's decision to host military exercises has drawn criticism at home and increased Western concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in Africa.

• On November 30, 2021, Russia had already tested the Zircon hypersonic missile.