Washington and Kyiv discuss how to repair Patriot damaged by Russians

Reuters has received confirmation from its own sources that the Russians have managed to damage the American Patriot missile defense system.

The agency learned this from two American officials.

One American official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that, according to preliminary information, Washington and Kyiv are already discussing the best way to repair the system. At this point, it does not appear that the system will have to be removed from Ukraine.

The official added that the United States will have a better understanding of the situation in the coming days and that the information may change over time.

The Patriot is considered one of the most advanced air defense systems in the United States, including against aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles. It typically includes launchers along with radars and other auxiliary equipment. It is not known what exactly the Russians damaged.

Russia's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that it had destroyed a U.S. Patriot air defense system with a Kinzhal missile during a nighttime strike on Ukraine.

The Ukrainian side noted that it had intercepted all six Daggers fired at Ukraine.

Author - Olena Madiak, 17/05/2023