Russia has crossed a chilling threshold in the Ukraine war with reports of a weapon rarely seen in action. A night strike on Odesa is now being described as more than another barrage, but a deliberate signal aimed far beyond the battlefield. Russia reportedly launched four Kinzhal hypersonic missiles from MiG‑31 jets, with two aimed directly at Odesa—marking the first time this “airborne Iskander” has been used on the Black Sea port. Fires at ports, energy sites and civilian infrastructure have reignited fears of a wider Black Sea escalation.