13-05-2025
Ukrainian intelligence release footage showing S-200 missile strikes on Russians – photo, video
Units of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (DIU) is using S-200 long-range anti-aircraft missile systems to strike Russian military personnel.
Source: Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military media outlet, with reference to Ukraine's Defence Intelligence
Details: The exclusive footage, released for the first time, shows the missiles being prepared for use, specifically how they are being loaded onto the launch pad and refuelled with liquid fuel, as well as the launches themselves.
The S-200 anti-aircraft missile system is primarily designed to hit air targets at long ranges.
However, judging by the video and statements by the Russians, the Ukrainian defence forces have adapted these systems for strikes against ground targets.
The S-200 anti-aircraft missile system
Ukraine's Defence Intelligence
Last year, footage of the S-200 launcher with a 5V28 missile was published online.
After the collapse of the USSR, such systems were in service with Ukraine's air defence. However, in 2013, the Ministry of Defence recognised the systems as obsolete and decided to withdraw them from combat service and subsequently dispose of them.
There were earlier speculations that Poland could be the likely donor of the systems. During the Defence24 Days conference in 2024, a representative of the Armed Forces Command of Poland said that the 3rd Warsaw Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade no longer has such systems in its arsenal. Meanwhile, it cannot be ruled out that Ukrainian systems that were previously decommissioned have been restored.
For reference: Russia has repeatedly claimed that Ukraine is striking its territory with converted S-200 anti-aircraft missiles. In the modified version for striking ground targets, the 5V28 missiles, which are 10.8 metres long and weigh 7.1 tonnes with a 220 kg fragmentation warhead, can essentially perform as ballistic missiles.
Similar statements were made in the summer of 2023. On 19 August, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported a night strike with such a missile on temporarily occupied Crimea. However, there was no confirmation or comment from the Ukrainian forces.
Missiles of this type are capable of hitting targets at a distance of over 300 km.
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