Russia struck Ukraine with Zircon anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile on February 7 - experts 

This was reported by Oleksandr Ruvin, Director of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise.

The use of this particular missile is evidenced by the markings on parts and debris, the identification of components and parts, and the features of the relevant type of weapon, experts say.

"In general, Russian missiles have parts that can be used in several types of products at once, while other components are used only for specific models. In this case, we see elements that are specific to the 3M22 Zircon missile. The parts and fragments of the jet engine and steering mechanisms have specific markings," Ruvin said.

According to him, the Zircon consists of component parts that are marked with the appropriate markings 3L22, 3V22, etc., meaning that the letter may differ, but the general marking for missiles is 3M22.

"Various pieces of fragments have the inscription 3L22 on them by laser engraving and stamping, which indicates a specific assembly from a specific product. In addition, the bolts on the steering mechanisms are marked with the number 26, which is a feature of Zircon. Other markings on the missile debris indicate the date of production of its components - late 2023-2024. This means that the missile was assembled recently," explains the Director of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise.

He noted that the microelectronics are poorly preserved and virtually impossible to analyze due to physical damage. Experts are determining the composition of the metal from fragments of the missile body and thermal insulation materials. Significant fragmentation of the missile makes it difficult to identify, but experts have already stated that the weapon does not meet the tactical and technical characteristics declared by the enemy. 

Reference. The 3M22 Zircon is an anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile that was put into service in January 2023. Russian enemy claimed the following characteristics: range - 600-1500 km, speed up to Mach 8-9, warhead weight about 300-400 kg, length 8-10 m.

• On the morning of February 7, Russia launched cruise missiles and attack drones at Ukraine. There were hits in various regions, and people were killed. Four people died in Kyiv as a result of the missile attack, at least 40 were injured in Holosiivskyi district and three in Dniprovskyi district of the Ukrainian capital. Among them is a pregnant woman. A heating line and two high-voltage lines were damaged in the capital, leaving 355 residential buildings without heating.
• The Russian Federation launched 64 air targets and spent at least $423 million during its massive attack on Ukraine on February 7.