Ukraine’s government denied on Wednesday that a Russian hypersonic missile destroyed a Patriot missile defense system manufactured in the United States during an air strike on Kyiv.
The Russian defense ministry made the claim on Tuesday, following an overnight air attack on Kiev. Two US officials later stated that a Patriot system had likely been damaged but was still operational.
“I want to say: do not be concerned about the fate of the Patriot,” Ukrainian Air Force Spokesman Yuriy Ihnat told Ukrainian TV.
He claimed that a Russian “Kinzhal” missile could not destroy a Patriot system.
It is impossible to destroy the system with a ‘Kinzhal’ of some kind. “You can keep everything they say in their propaganda library,” he said.
In an effort to deter further Russian air strikes in retaliation for last year’s invasion, the West has supplied Ukraine with a number of advanced air defense units, including the Patriot system.
The system, which typically consists of launchers, radar, and other support vehicles, is widely regarded as one of the most cutting-edge air defense systems in the United States.
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has cited the Kinzhal missile as proof that Russia’s military technology is unparalleled.
Russia has denied Ukrainian claims that six Kinzhal missiles were shot down on Tuesday. The Pentagon did not immediately respond, so it was unclear which Western weapon Ukraine used.
