Moscow has slammed the United States’ decision to send their Patriot missile system to Ukraine. When asked by a reporter whether the US can give Ukraine ‘all the capabilities it needs’, US President Joe Biden pointed to Ukrainian counterpart and replied “his answer is yes” prompting laughter.
Moscow has blasted the United States for sending a sophisticated missile system to Ukraine, accusing Washington of stoking tension in the region.
The US has reportedly sent the MQ-9 Reaper drone system to Ukraine as part of a military aid package aimed at helping Kiev better defend itself against what it calls Russian aggression.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was “deeply concerned” by the news and accused Washington of escalating tensions between Moscow and Kiev. It warned that such moves will only lead to an “increase in military activities” and further destabilize the region.
The US State Department, however, defended its decision, arguing that it was meant to help Ukraine build its capacity to defend itself against “Russian aggression”. It also said that sending defensive weapons does not violate any international commitments or agreements.
Russia has long been opposed to US military aid for Ukraine and has repeatedly warned against such moves with claims that they are part of an effort by Washington to increase its influence in the region. Moscow also claims that supplying weapons is a violation of international law, as well as damaging regional security and stability.
In response to the US move, Russia’s Defense Ministry said it had deployed additional air defense systems along its western border with Ukraine in order to protect its airspace from any potential threats from drones or other aircraft sent by Washington or Kiev. The ministry also stated that it would take all necessary measures if necessary to ensure national security interests were safeguarded.
