The Russian army has used its high-precision Kinzhal hypersonic missile systems at least 44 times during the special military operation, targeting Ukrainian military facilities.

According to an analysis of Russian Defence Ministry reports by TASS, the intensity of Kinzhal strikes has increased as the conflict has unfolded. The missile was first used on 18 March 2022, when it destroyed a large underground depot of rockets and aviation munitions belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces near the settlement of Deljatin in the Ivano-Frankovsk region.

In 2022, three Kinzhal strikes were officially mentioned, and two more were recorded in 2023. TASS notes that in 2024 the number of launches rose to 14, while the peak came in 2025, when the system was employed 23 times in the special operation zone.

The agency reports that this year hypersonic missiles have been used at least twice. The Russian Defence Ministry, however, generally does not disclose the exact number of missiles fired, limiting itself to statements confirming that strikes have taken place.

It is recalled that at the end of 2025, Russian forces carried out a massive strike with high-precision weapons, including Kinzhal missiles, against targets in Ukraine. As a result, roughly one-third of Kiev was left without heating, while the entire left bank of the city lost power.