Patriot Bakal Missiles So Target Sah Russian Troops If Sent By The US To Ukraine? Kremlin: We Wait For Official Information

Patriot missile defense system. (Wikimedia Commons/Ministerie van Defensie/Stephan de Bruijn)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not rule out the Patriot missile defense system to be considered a legitimate target by the Russian Armed Forces if the United States supplied it to Ukraine, but declined to comment further.

"Of course," he said, when asked if the Kremlin had the same views expressed by Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, that the system would be a legitimate target, quoted from TASS December 15.

"I will refrain from commenting for now, because this is just a media report. Currently, media reports are unreliable. Let's wait for some official information," added Peskov.

At the end of November, Medvedev said on his Telegram channel that the Patriot system, along with its personnel, would be a legitimate target of the Russian military if sent to Ukraine.

As previously reported, the Pentagon is still finalizing plans to send Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. Delivery proposals still need to pass Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's desk before being sent to President Joe Biden for signature.

Quoted from CNN, Wednesday, December 14, the entire process is expected to be completed soon and announced as early as this week.

Ukraine has repeatedly asked the US to send their advanced long-range air defense systems that are very effective in intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles. Ukraine continues to be hit by Russian missile and drone attacks that have destroyed key infrastructure across the country.

If the Pentagon's plan is realized, it will become the most effective long-range defense weapon system sent to Ukraine. The patriot missile is also believed to provide security certainty for NATO countries in eastern Europe.

After the plan is finalized, the Patriots are expected to be delivered quickly in the coming days. Ukrainian soldiers will be trained to use them at US Army bases in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

It is known that Patriot missiles have various configurations with ranges varying from 30 kilometers to 160 kilometers, as well as modifications specifically designed to intercept ballistic missiles. Also, this system is capable of intercepting manned aircraft.