Russia’s New ‘Banderol’ Cruise Missile Strikes Kharkiv and Odesa – Key Details.

Russia’s Use of the ‘Banderol’ Missile

According to Слово і Діло — Інфографіка: Since 2024, Russia has been deploying the recently developed cruise missile known as the ‘Banderol’ (type S8000) against Ukrainian cities, particularly Kharkiv and Odesa. This weapon, built by the firm Kronstadt, has a top speed of 650 km/h, a range of up to 500 km, and carries a warhead weighing around 150 kg. Its length is 5 meters, its wingspan 2.2 meters, and its fuselage diameter 30 cm. The primary launch platform is the ‘Orion’ attack drone. This missile has been a recurring threat since its first deployment in early 2022, with numerous attacks recorded in 2023.

The Russian military first used the Banderol missile in April 2022. Since then, it has become a key weapon for striking Ukrainian targets. On July 8, 2023, a strike on Kharkiv’s Nemyshlianskyi district injured more than 40 people. On July 19, 2023, an attack on a Kharkiv suburb killed 4 individuals and wounded 20 others.

Odesa and Izium Situations

The situation in Odesa was equally severe. On July 16, 2023, an attack resulted in the death of a 71-year-old man and injuries to three others. Another Banderol missile attack hit Odesa and its region on July 20, 2023. On July 24, 2023, a Russian strike damaged a furniture store and infrastructure in Odesa, leaving two people injured.

On July 22, 2023, Russian forces also attacked Izium, though no fatalities were reported. The continued use of the Banderol missile is escalating tensions in the region and raising public alarm.

The deployment of Banderol missiles indicates an intensification of Russian military operations, prolonging a conflict that threatens the safety and lives of Ukrainian civilians.

These strikes, especially those targeting Kharkiv and Odesa, endanger not only infrastructure but also human lives, sparking deep concern locally and internationally. The situation remains volatile, and the actions of Russian forces could have serious consequences for the future trajectory of the conflict in Ukraine.