KYIV, Ukraine -- Russian bombers may have been launching anti-ship missiles from the 1960s that were designed to destroy aircraft carriers carrying nuclear warheads in Ukraine, according to a British military intelligence report.
The 5.5-ton Kh-22 missiles were criticized for their inaccuracy and potential collateral damage.
According to Britain's Defense Ministry, Russia may use such weapons as it runs out of modern missiles. The Defense Ministry did not give any details about where such missiles might have been placed.
Russian forces have been focusing their efforts to capture all of Ukraine's eastern coal mines and factories, known as the Donbas. This area borders Russia, and has been partially controlled by Moscow-backed separatists from 2014.
As Russian and Ukrainian forces fight for control of key cities in Ukraine's industrial heartland, civilians fled the fighting in eastern Ukraine.
According to the report, Ukrainian air defenses still prevent Russian tactical aircraft from striking large areas of Ukraine.
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Karmanau reported in Lviv, Ukraine. Jill Lawless, London, and Jamey Keaten, Geneva, were Associated Press journalists.
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Follow AP's coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
