Ukraine deploys Dutch-made Ruta Block 1 cruise missiles against Russia

Ukraine has employed the Dutch‑produced cruise missile Ruta Block 1 against targets in Russia, marking the weapon’s first combat use. The missiles were developed by Destinus, a Netherlands‑based firm founded by Mikhail Kokorich, who previously created Russia’s first private space company. Images of the missile launch were posted by Russian military bloggers and examined by the analysis site The War Zone, though independent verification of the footage is pending.

Destinus describes Ruta Block 1 as a low‑cost, mass‑produced missile with a range exceeding 300 km and a 150 kg warhead. It is launched from the ground using a booster, then flies at low altitude guided by inertial, satellite and visual navigation, allowing it to operate despite GPS jamming. The system’s turbofan engine is not dependent on U.S. components. The Netherlands has pledged financing for roughly 700 of these missiles as part of a broader U.S.–backed aid package valued at more than $500 million.