- Ukrainians announced last week that they had shot down a Russian hypersonic missile using the US Patriot system.
- Officials told CNN on Friday that the Patriot defense system had been targeted in a sophisticated missile strike.
- Putin has previously claimed that the deadly Kinzhal missile could not be stopped.
When Ukrainians shot down a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile last week, they used Patriot defense systems donated by the United States to destroy ammunition that was “wreaking havoc” on their own forces. But officials said Friday. CNN The defense system itself became the target of the attack, and the Patriot deftly defended itself.
In what is known to be the first successful interception of a Kinzhal missile, the Ukrainian military used the Patriot system to fire at the Russian warhead from multiple directions, an official told CNN. country last month.
A Pentagon representative referred to Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder in an email to Insiders. Press conference A statement on Tuesday confirmed that Ukrainians “used the Patriot missile defense system to shoot down a Russian missile,” but did not specify whether it was a Kinzhal missile or a “Killjoy” missile.
“For more on Ukrainian readiness, inventory, and missile interception details, see there,” Ryder said, confirming that the Patriot was used, without elaborating further. “As you know, this system is part of the extensive air defense capabilities provided to Ukraine by the United States and the international community.”
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has long boasted of the Kinzhal missile’s capabilities, and in 2018 its ability to fly at ten times the speed of sound and maneuver at any stage of its flight trajectory made it an “existing missile. , and I think we can overcome all the possibilities ahead.” Equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems, it can launch nuclear and conventional warheads at ranges of more than 2,000 kilometers. ”
Less than a month after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last year, President Joe Biden said the Kinzhal missiles were “wreaking havoc” on the Ukrainian military and “almost impossible to stop.” It’s possible,” he said. “There’s a reason they use it.” that. “
The Patriot defense system was delivered to Ukraine on April 19th. APs As part of the $36.9 billion in military aid that the US has pledged to help fight Russian aggression since the start of the war, according to reports. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yury Inat said the delivery of the system was a milestone.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office Estimate Since the war began in February last year, 8,791 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and 14,815 injured. However, given the slow receipt of information from areas facing intense hostilities such as Mariupol and the Luhansk region, the figure is likely to be “significantly higher.”
Representatives of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the Russian Federation government did not immediately respond to an insider’s request for comment.