You said the U.S. doesn't want it to end, not me ;) HAHA

I have a different take on hypersonic missiles. To me there are ballistic missiles engineered to fly through the atmosphere. I wouldn't be surprised if the Kinzhals broke apart in the air or did minimal damage. Modern ballistic missiles are difficult to shoot down. Neither the Patriot nor S-400 is very effective is my belief. So Russia can attack Europe any time with ballistic missiles. It's one of the reasons the U.S. hasn't jumped into a war with Iran. Iran has built tens of thousands of them and hidden them well.

I agree with you about the public threat part. They scare people. Russia used them out of desperation. I doubt they have many left. Again, don't believe what they used worked, but the West feels the narrative that they do works in their favor.