More than a dozen Russian missiles were intercepted over Ukraine’s capital Kyiv this week, including reportedly several of the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which Moscow has touted as a silver bullet. Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin is now flexing his muscles to investigate the causes and has charged three scientists already in prison with high treason.
Scientists Alexander Shiplyuk, Anatoly Maslow and Valeri Swegintsev were arrested last year on charges of high treason. They are specialists in hypersonic technology.
Putin’s weapon of prestige
This is used, among other things, in “Kinshah” missiles, which Putin has touted as the prestige weapon of the Russian military. Shiplyuk was director of a laboratory at the internationally renowned Akademgorodok research campus in Novosibirsk.
The men are accused of leaking state secrets related to hypersonic technology. Another scientist from Siberia, Dmitri Kolker, died of cancer in 2022 a few days after his arrest.
demanded release
On Monday, several Novosibirsk scientists called for the release of their colleagues and warned of serious damage to the Russian research. “We know each of them as patriots and as decent people who are incapable of acts that the authorities suspect them to be,” the letter said.
Shiplyuk, Maslow and Swegintsev would not have revealed secrets in scientific exchanges in publications and at conferences. If this leads to charges of high treason, the aviation investigation will be in jeopardy. Talented young scientists would be put off. “In this situation, we are not only concerned about the fate of our colleagues. We just don’t know how to continue our work.”
Kremlin Spokesperson: “Serious Allegations”
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the letter of protest on Wednesday. It was noticed, Peskow said. However, special forces handled things and did their job. “These are very serious allegations,” the Kremlin spokesman said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
