Russia warns of ‘unpredictable consequences’ if US sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine
Russia reacted to reports that the U.S. was poised to send its Patriot air defense system, to Ukraine, and called it “provocative” that could lead to “unpredictable consequences.”
Although the U.S. has yet to announce its decision to send advanced systems, which could aid Ukraine in defending against a barrage Russian missile strikes from Russia, multiple reports indicate that such an announcement may be made this week.
The Russian Embassy in Washington stated that if this happens, it will be a further provocative move by the administration. This could lead to unpredicted consequences. “Continued delivery of arms will only reinforce the Zelensky regime’s impunity and push them to new crimes against civilians within Donbass, Kherson, and Zaporozhye.”
NATO and the United States have sent several air defense systems to Ukraine. These included two shipments of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. The most advanced surface to air missile defense systems NATO has is the Patriots, manufactured by Raytheon in the United States.
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This system could be used to help Ukraine defeat larger threats from farther away. However, the U.S. has so far resisted sending Patriots due to concerns that it might be viewed by Moscow as an escalation.
The Russian Embassy stated that Washington’s strategy caused enormous damage to Russian-American relations and also created additional security risks.
The deliveries would be a response to Kyiv’s repeated requests for advanced systems from West, at a moment when Russia launches missile strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
In his Wednesday night address, Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President, stated that “We are preparing deals that will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and give Ukraine greater operational capabilities.”
