Russian missile designer reportedly assassinated in Moscow
Mikhail Shatskiy, the deputy general director of the Russian design office Mars Design Bureau, was reportedly killed in Moscow by Ukrainian intelligence. The Mars company is responsible for the design and modernization of Russian missiles and drones.
Shatskiy was not only the deputy chief designer but also the head of the software department. According to "Newsweek," sources on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram confirmed that the scientist was shot. "The Sun" adds that Shatskiy was killed in a forest in Moscow, and the attacker fled the scene.
"The firm Shatsky worked for develops and manufactures onboard guidance systems for the Russian military and space industry. Since December 2017, it has been under a department of the state corporation Rosatom," states "Newsweek".
Pawel Jeżowski, a stock investor and data analyst of the Russian economy, has drawn attention to the events in Moscow.
Missiles striking Ukraine
Global media report that Shatskiy was involved in the modernization of the Kh-59 and Kh-69 missiles, which Russia has repeatedly used in Ukraine. An anonymous source from the Ukrainian security services told the Suspilne service that anyone who "in one way or another involved in the development of the Russian military-industrial complex and thus supports Russian aggression against Ukraine is a legitimate target."
The defence24.com service reports that the Kh-69 is a stealth cruise missile developed based on the older Kh-59. It has a range of approximately 400 kilometres — about 200 kilometres more than its predecessor and 100 kilometres more than previously estimated. This weapon can therefore be fired from a safe distance and is apparently difficult for Ukrainian air defence systems to counter. According to Ukrainians, the exception is the Patriot system, but this weapon has a limited supply of missiles, and each one is extremely valuable.
Suspilne adds that Shatskiy may have contributed to drone projects for the Russian military.
