Putin: We’ll destroy the US Patriot missiles if they reach Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that his country would destroy Patriot missiles if Washington handed them over to Kyiv, days after Washington announced its agreement to supply its ally, Kyiv, with these systems.

The Russian president said in an interview with Russian state television that he was “absolutely sure that the Russian army will destroy the Patriot air defense system, which the United States will supply to Ukraine”.

Putin added, “The basis of the conflict in Ukraine is the policy of Moscow’s geopolitical opponents, which aims to dismantle historical Russia”.

Putin explained that Russia’s opponents follow a policy of “divide and rule”.

He added that his country’s enemies “tried this and are continuing this approach,” stressing that “Russia’s goal in the military operation in Ukraine is to unite the Russian people”.

Putin pointed out that, “Since 2014, Russia has been trying to resolve the Ukrainian crisis peacefully,” noting that “the other side has taken harsh measures there, of a military nature”.

In his answer to the question whether Russia is approaching the danger line regarding the situation in Ukraine, he said that he does not see this as a very dangerous matter.

Putin confirmed Moscow’s readiness to negotiate with all participants in this track Ukraine regarding “some acceptable solutions”.

A few days ago, Putin said that the Patriot air defense system, which the United States is providing to Ukraine, is an outdated weapons system that Russia can confront.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced, on the 21st of this month, that the United States will provide additional $1.85 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including the transfer of Patriot air defense systems.

Last November 29, Ukraine called on NATO member states to provide it with weapons and equipment.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said at the time that Ukraine’s most urgent need was Patriot air defense missile systems.