If the US supplied Patriot anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine, they would become “legitimate priority targets” for Russian troops, along with other heavy weapons. With these words, the Kremlin warned American decision-makers who are considering making Patriots available to the Ukrainian army.
This will significantly increase US involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, State Department spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. “In practice, Washington has already become a party to the conflict.” Not only are weapons supplied, American personnel are also present in Ukraine. If the Patriot systems are delivered, more instructors would have to come from the United States — with dire consequences for combat operations, she said.
Patriot delivery would shuffle the cards again
The Patriot plans have yet to be approved by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, several US media outlets have reported, citing unnamed government sources. The Patriot air defense system would reshuffle some cards in Russia-attacked Ukraine. It can even repel aircraft, cruise missiles, drones or missiles at a greater distance.
Ukraine hopes for soon delivery
In its fight against Russian drone and missile attacks, Ukraine hopes for the rapid delivery of modern and effective anti-aircraft systems from the West. “This week we made significant progress in anti-aircraft defenses,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his video message on Wednesday night. He gave no details.
Zelenskyj asked EU countries for modern tanks
In Ukraine, they hope not only for the patriots, but also for deliveries of other weapons. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged EU countries to provide modern tanks. “There’s no rational reason why Ukraine shouldn’t get it now,” he said at the EU summit on Thursday, which he was connected to via video. “I ask you to show leadership,” Zelenskyj said.
Fight hard for Donetsk and Kherson
Meanwhile, fighting continues in the theaters of war. Ukrainian forces have attacked targets in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, according to the Russian-appointed occupation administration. Thursday was one of the worst attacks since 2014 in the city center. In newly liberated Kherson, Russian attacks led to a power outage.
UN warns of deteriorating humanitarian situation
In view of the hostilities, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warns that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate significantly if Russian airstrikes against Ukraine’s infrastructure continue. This could lead to further deportations, says Türk after his trip to Ukraine. The Russian attacks have left millions of people in extreme distress. “Additional attacks could lead to a further serious deterioration of the humanitarian situation and further displacement,” said the Austrian.
No hope of a truce
There is little hope that the fighting will be interrupted. The Ukrainian military leadership has ruled out a ceasefire between New Year and Orthodox Christmas. “I believe that there will be a complete ceasefire from our side only when there is no longer an occupier on our territory,” said General Oleksiy Hromov on Thursday. The Kremlin had previously announced that no ceasefire was planned over the upcoming holiday season in early January.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
