Russia's Claim of Destroying a Patriot System; Ukraine: It's Empty Propaganda

On Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force denied reports regarding the destruction of an American-made "Patriot" missile defense system during a Russian air and missile attack on the Ukrainian capital. According to Reuters, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that one of its hypersonic "Kinzhal" missiles had destroyed the Patriot system during the airstrike on Kyiv. Following this, two American officials stated that one of the Patriot systems might have been damaged, but it does not appear to have been destroyed. In this context, Yuri Ihnat, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, said, "Do not worry about the fate of the Patriot" and dismissed the possibility of a Russian "Kinzhal" missile hitting the Patriot system. He stated that "destroying such a system with a Kinzhal missile is impossible" and added that Russia's claim is nothing but empty propaganda. An unnamed American official, citing preliminary information, told Reuters that Washington and Kyiv are discussing the best way to repair the system. This official added that the United States will have more detailed information in the coming days. The Patriot system is one of the advanced air defense units sent by the West to help Ukraine fend off Russian air attacks targeting critical infrastructure, power plants, and other locations in the country. The Patriot is one of the most advanced U.S. missile defense systems against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. This system typically includes several launchers, radar, and other auxiliary motor vehicles.