NYT about problems with supplying Patriot missiles for Ukraine: Air Force commentary
Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Getty Images)
The New York Times, citing unnamed Pentagon and White House officials, claims that the United States may be unable to supply Ukraine with Patriot missiles due to a lack of funding. While the Air Force of Ukraine has not confirmed this information, they have acknowledged a shortage of such missiles, according to a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ihnat.
"Let's analyze who is issuing warnings - the sources found by The New York Times. I treat such statements and remarks very cautiously. Why are they made and who benefits from it is also questionable. I have previously commented on these statements and publications from Western media not once, it's not the first time," said Ihnat.
He emphasized that Ukraine relies on the supply of Western weaponry today, not only limited to anti-aircraft guided missiles.
"We are receiving a lot of Western technology, and accordingly, it requires maintenance, repair, upgrades, replenishment, as well as ammunition. Even Soviet ammunition for anti-aircraft guided systems is obtained from countries that have such systems in service. It happens through regulated supplies according to expenses," explained the spokesperson.
According to him, Ukraine has depleted a significant stockpile of missiles to repel the recent three attacks from Russia.
"One is more powerful, then there is a tendency towards less use of means of aerial attack, but it is still a significant consumption, including anti-aircraft guided missiles," Ihnat added.
He revealed that military productions in Europe, the United States, and other countries are gaining momentum, but a shortage of certain weaponry still exists.
"Therefore, the shortage of anti-aircraft guided missiles is understandable, no one hides that. Hence such concerns in Western press. I believe Western partners are well-informed about the state of our air defense capabilities," said the spokesperson.
Backstory
Recently, The New York Times published an article stating that Ukraine may soon face a shortage of Patriot missiles.
Journalists cited sources in the White House and the Pentagon for this information.
Unnamed sources claimed that the U.S. might be unable to supply Ukraine with Patriot missiles due to funding issues.
Patriot air defense system intercepts Kinzhal missiles
Patriot air defense system successfully intercepted Kinzhal missiles, previously unattainable for Ukrainian air defense. The Defence Express reported that Ukrainian forces could successfully intercept a Kinzhal missile on May 4, providing photographic evidence of missile debris. This information was later confirmed by the Air Force.
Following this success, on the night of May 16, Russians once again attacked Ukraine with Kinzhals, but Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted all six enemy missiles of this type.
Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ihnat, revealed that Patriot missile systems intercepted 15 Russian Kinzhal missiles launched from MiG-31K fighter jets during seven months of operation.
