Moscow, Dec 15, (dpa/GNA) – Russia has warned the US, not to supply the Patriot air defence system to Ukraine.
Like other heavy weapons, these would become “legitimate priority targets” for Russian forces, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in Moscow on Thursday. She was responding to reports in the US media that Washington was considering supplying these advanced systems to strengthen Ukrainian air defences.
This would once again significantly expand US involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, Zakharova said. “Washington has already made itself a party to the conflict on the practical level.”
The Patriot plans must be approved by Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, several US media reported, citing unnamed government sources.
The Patriot air defence system would reshuffle some of the cards in Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. It can defend against aircraft, cruise missiles, drones or missiles even at a greater distance.
GNA