VIDEO: Russian missile makes 180-degree turn in mid-air and hits launch base

A Russian air defense missile launched in the Luhansk region made a 180-degree turn in mid-air, crashing in the same place where it was released, a video that went viral this weekend on social media shows.

The footage was captured near the town of Alchevsk, about 55 kilometers south of Severodonetsk, where heavy fighting has broken out in recent weeks.

The footage depicts an explosion caused by the impact of the missile launched by the same station. The cause of the spin is unknown, and some believe it was due to hacking or interference from a prowling Ukrainian drone, although this is unlikely, according to the Daily Mail.

This is reportedly footage of a failed Russian air defense system missile launch from Alchevsk, Luhansk Oblast. https://t.co/6ekiNna454 pic.twitter.com/DvHf1heAR8

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) June 24, 2022

It was not disclosed whether there were any deaths or injuries in the incident. Ukrainian forces will withdraw from Severodonetsk, which implies an advance of Russian troops in the Luhansk region, in eastern Ukraine.

Serhiy Haidai, governor of Luhansk Oblast, affirmed Thursday that "unfortunately" Ukrainian forces are going to have to withdraw from the area in the face of the Russian siege.

"Unfortunately, we will have to withdraw our troops from Severodonetsk, because it makes no sense to be in broken positions: the death toll is growing," Haidai posted on his Telegram account.

Sevedoronetsk has been under siege by Russian troops, which is considered a key point to have control of the Luhansk region which, together with Donetsk, comprises the Donbas area.