Kremlin won’t determine what weapons US sends to Ukraine, DoD says
Patriot air defense system in Slovakia (Photo:REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa)
Russia will not determine the nature and scope of U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, U.S. Department of Defense spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder said on Dec. 15, commenting on Moscow’s reaction to media reports about Washington preparing to transfer Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
The Russian embassy in Washington earlier said that supplying Kyiv with Patriot is a “provocative” step and “would lead to unforeseen consequences.”
In his response, Ryder said it was “ironic” of Russia to use terms like “provocation” when talking about purely defensive weapons, considering that it brutally invaded its neighbor to indiscriminately kill civilians and ruin Ukraine’s infrastructure.
“We will not allow Russia to dictate what military aid we transfer (to Ukraine),” said Ryder.
He noted that Russia is the aggressor in this war and could end it by withdrawing its troops from Ukraine. The general also said he is not in a position to comment on reports that the United States plans to provide Ukraine with Patriot systems.
CNN earlier reported that the United States is finalizing a plan to supply at least one Patriot battery to Ukraine, which could be announced later this week.
An unnamed U.S. Department of Defense later confirmed these reports.
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