Ukraine’s NASAMS air defence crews successfully intercepted 11 Russian cruise missiles in just two minutes. The feat occurred during a high-stakes combat episode.
Ukraine’s air defences have been significantly boosted since the arrival of NASAMS systems in late 2022. These advanced systems, developed by Kongsberg of Norway and Raytheon of the United States, have played a critical role in shielding major Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. They are capable of countering a broad range of threats, including aircraft, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles, with a strike range of 2.5 to 40 kilometres and altitudes from 30 metres to 16 kilometres.
One notable NASAMS unit is commanded by Hero of Ukraine Kirillo Peretiatko. His division has become a symbol of Ukrainian precision and resilience. Peretiatko’s unit was responsible for intercepting the 11 missiles in this recent incident, a feat made possible by the system’s rapid response and high accuracy.
NASAMS launchers are equipped with six missiles and can operate both automatically and manually. Ukrainian crews prefer manual operation to enhance control in complex battlefield conditions. The system includes a self-destruction feature for its missiles, preventing debris from causing harm on the ground in the event of a missed strike. This feature has directly undermined Russian propaganda that falsely claims Ukrainian defence systems are causing widespread collateral damage.
Commander Peretiatko stated that the effectiveness of his division depends heavily on a stable supply of missiles. His unit alone has already downed more than 150 enemy aerial threats—primarily cruise missiles—protecting thousands of civilians and vital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in Kazakhstan, authorities in several cities have banned Immortal Regiment marches associated with Russian patriotic celebrations for Victory Day on 9 May. Cities including Almaty, Pavlodar and Petropavl denied permission for public processions, proposing instead online commemorations. In some cases, photos of Soviet veterans will be shown on public screens. Marches held without authorisation could result in fines or arrests.
The Immortal Regiment was initially a grassroots initiative to honour relatives who served in the Red Army during World War II. However, in recent years it has been co-opted by the Russian dictatorship to fuel nationalist fervour and justify its modern-day invasions.
Activists in Almaty have appealed to Kazakh President Kassym Jomart Tokayev to allow the march but also vowed to proceed regardless of permission. Reports from Petropavl suggest volunteers were allegedly recruiting people for an unauthorised march, offering them payment in Russian rubles. No such march is expected in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana, where official commemorations will instead mark the 80th anniversary of the war’s end.
On the diplomatic front, former US Army Colonel Daniel Davis dismissed the idea of direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Davis pointed out that Putin’s repeated references to fighting “Nazis” in Ukraine show he is not interested in negotiating in good faith. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hinted that the US is offering proposals in negotiations that mirror Russia’s stance, though refused to provide any concrete details.
Meanwhile, Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov has floated the idea of Russia teaming up with the US to strike Europe, in response to the West’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and resistance to occupation. Solovyov’s remarks further expose the dangerous delusions of Kremlin media figures, whose calls for escalation show disregard for international norms and human life.
Adding to tensions, Donald Trump has once again expressed views sympathetic to the Russian regime, suggesting Crimea will remain under Russian control and blaming Ukraine for triggering the conflict by seeking NATO membership. The Trump camp’s alignment with Russian narratives continues to raise serious concerns in Kyiv and among its allies.
Ukrainians remain defiant. A recent poll showed that 95 percent of respondents oppose the idea of ever coexisting peacefully with Russian occupiers. The Kremlin’s threats to “take Odessa” reveal their true colonial intentions.
On the ground, emergency workers in Ukraine continue to rescue lives from under rubble after Russian airstrikes. In a recent effort, they saved six cats and a hedgehog. One cat was sadly lost. These small acts of hope show Ukraine’s deep humanity in the face of inhuman violence.
