Category
Latest news

Russia Increases Lethality of Shahed Drones With 90 kg Shrapnel Warheads

2 min read
Authors
Russia Increases Lethality of Shahed Drones With 90 kg Shrapnel Warheads
A piece of metal on Beresteiskyi Avenue is dotted with shrapnel holes after the Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on September 2, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

Russia has begun using Shahed drones equipped with larger 90 kg warheads and shrapnel-filled payloads designed to inflict higher civilian casualties, according to Andrii Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, on January 30.

“Russia is now using Shahed drones with an increased warhead of up to 90 kg and metal shrapnel elements to maximize civilian casualties,” he stated in a Telegram post.

Russian Shahed drones equipped with larger 90 kg warheads and shrapnel-filled payloads. (Source: Andrii Yermak via Telegram)
Russian Shahed drones equipped with larger 90 kg warheads and shrapnel-filled payloads. (Source: Andrii Yermak via Telegram)
Russian Shahed drones equipped with larger 90 kg warheads and shrapnel-filled payloads. (Source: Andrii Yermak via Telegram)
Russian Shahed drones equipped with larger 90 kg warheads and shrapnel-filled payloads. (Source: Andrii Yermak via Telegram)

Earlier, Ruslan Kandibor, director of Kyiv’s Department of Transport Infrastructure, reported on Kyiv24 that Russian drones carrying shrapnel attacked Kyiv on the night of January 29. Debris from one of the drones fell onto railway tracks, damaging a security facility and fencing.

The shrapnel used in these drones consists of small metal balls, which scatter upon explosion, causing severe injuries and penetrating vehicles and light structures. Such weapons are particularly dangerous in urban environments where people are densely concentrated.

These modified warheads significantly increase the risk of mass civilian casualties, especially in heavily populated areas.

The January 29 attack on Kyiv marks the second such assault on Ukraine. Previously, Russia targeted Sumy with shrapnel-filled drones, killing 2 people and injuring 12. The attack also damaged multiple apartment buildings, private homes, and vehicles in the area.

See all