The War Zone reports that Ukrainian forces have begun using low-cost Ruta Block 1 cruise missiles against Russia.
The outlet based its assessment on photographs published by Russian Telegram channels showing debris from a missile intercepted by air defense systems. The images reveal sections of the body, internal components and the tail assembly.
According to the publication, the exact strike location and intended target remain unknown. However, the wreckage represents the first publicly available evidence that the new long-range weapon has entered combat use.
Ruta Block 1 is produced by the Netherlands-based company Destinus. The War Zone says the missile has a range of more than 300 kilometers and carries a warhead weighing up to 150 kilograms. Its guidance package combines inertial, satellite and visual navigation.
Destinus is also developing a longer-range Ruta Block 3 variant. Its stated range is up to 2,000 kilometers, while its total weight is about 550 kilograms.
Unlike larger and more expensive cruise missiles, Ruta is designed as a mass-produced and more affordable weapon. It is intended to strike military facilities located deep inside enemy territory.