MOSCOW/KYIV—In an escalating display of military power, Russia claimed on Thursday that its forces had successfully targeted two U.S.-made Patriot air defense launchers in Ukraine.
The missile strikes, carried out by the Russian military, were said to have also hit a Patriot control station and radar set, all critical components of the air defense system that Ukraine relies on to fend off Russian missile attacks.
According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, the strikes took place in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, reportedly near the city of Pavlohrad.
The ministry specified that the attack, which utilized an Iskander missile, resulted in the destruction of one Patriot launcher and damage to another.
Additionally, Russian officials claimed that troops and other military equipment stationed near the Patriot launchers were also impacted in the assault.
“The Iskander missile strike destroyed one U.S.-made Patriot launcher and damaged another, along with its control station and radar,” the Russian Defense Ministry stated.
The ministry released a video, purportedly shot from the air, showing explosions in fields, which it said was footage from the attack.
Ukraine, for its part, has not yet officially confirmed the extent of the damage to the Patriot system.
However, Mariana Bezugla, a Ukrainian MP known for her critical stance on the military’s leadership, acknowledged that a Patriot launcher had been “damaged” in the attack.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian military blogger familiar with the situation in Pavlohrad suggested that while there had been damage, it was “not critical” to the functionality of the defense system.
The Patriot air defense systems, which Ukraine first received from its Western allies in April 2023, have been a crucial asset in the country’s defense against the continued barrage of Russian missile strikes.
These systems are capable of intercepting incoming threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.
Given their strategic importance, Kyiv has been pressing its Western partners, particularly the United States, for more deliveries of such advanced defense systems to bolster its defenses against ongoing Russian attacks.
Though the exact number of Patriot systems in Ukraine remains undisclosed, Kyiv has been strategically positioning them to shield key regions and infrastructure from the Russian military’s long-range strikes.
Moscow, aware of their significance, has repeatedly claimed success in targeting and neutralizing Ukraine’s Patriot defenses. In July 2024, Russia also reported the destruction of two Patriot launchers, though these claims were not independently verified.
Ukraine’s air defense systems have become increasingly vital as Russia continues to deploy missiles and drones aimed at Ukrainian military and civilian infrastructure.
Western allies, including the United States, have been providing Ukraine with significant military support, including the high-tech Patriot systems, which have become a critical line of defense in preventing further damage from Russia’s missile campaigns.
While Russia’s latest claims of damaging Ukraine’s Patriots remain contested, the situation highlights the ongoing battle over air superiority and the role that advanced Western technology plays in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
As Kyiv continues to rely on international support, the need for more advanced and reliable air defense systems has only grown more urgent.
Kyiv’s Response
Despite the damage claims, Ukrainian officials have not yet publicly confirmed the full extent of the incident, and it remains to be seen if Ukraine will seek additional reinforcements for its air defense systems.
With the conflict showing no signs of de-escalating, the battle over Ukraine’s skies continues to be a critical front in the war.