WASHINGTON: A Russian strike likely caused damage to a US-made Patriot missile defence system being used by Ukraine, but it did not appear to have been completely destroyed, two US sources told Reuters on Tuesday.
The Patriot system is one of a number of high-tech air defence systems delivered by the West to help Ukraine in fending off a Russian airstrike campaign that has targeted important infrastructure, power plants, and other locations.
Citing preliminary data, a US official said that Washington and Kyiv were already discussing how to restore the system and that, as of right now, it did not seem the system would need to be removed from Ukraine.
The official stated that in the upcoming days, the United States will have a better understanding, and that information may alter over time.
The Patriot, having planes, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, is regarded as one of the most cutting-edge US air defence systems. It also has launchers, radar, and other support vehicles.
According to the Russian defence ministry, a “hypersonic” Kinzhal missile destroyed a Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system in a night-time attack on Ukraine.
A whole volley of six Kinzhal missiles was among the 18 Russian missiles that Ukraine claimed to have shot down during the course of the night.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu denied the Ukrainian claim when asked about it, according to the RIA news agency.
Which Western weapon Ukraine used was unclear. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
