Russia warns US over Patriot delivery to Ukraine

Created: 2022-12-15, 1:47 p.m

A Patriot anti-aircraft missile system, here in the Bundeswehr inventory.

© Axel Heimken/dpa

In order to be able to protect itself from Russian drone and missile attacks, Ukraine wants more air defense systems.

But a possible delivery from the USA enrages the war opponent Russia.

Moscow - Russia has warned the United States about the delivery of the Patriot anti-aircraft system to Ukraine.

Like other heavy weapons, these complexes would become "legitimate priority targets" for Russian forces, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

She was responding to reports in the US media that Washington was considering supplying these systems to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses.

This will significantly expand US involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, said Zakharova.

"Washington has already made itself a party to the conflict on a practical level." Not only are weapons delivered, but US personnel are also present in Ukraine.

If the Patriot systems are delivered, more instructors would have to come from the United States - with all the consequences for the combat operations, she said.

The Patriot plans are yet to be approved by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, several US media outlets have reported, citing unnamed government sources.

The Patriot air defense system would reshuffle some of the cards in Russia-attacked Ukraine.

It can repel aircraft, cruise missiles, drones or missiles even at a greater distance.

dpa