White House: Patriot air defense systems will not help Ukraine against Russian cruise missiles

The White House said that Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems will not help Ukraine against Russian cruise missiles.

This statement was made on March 9 by White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby.

Why Patriots won’t help Ukraine against cruise missiles

In an interview with an American television channel, Kirby explained that the Patriot air defense systems were developed to intercept ballistic missiles.

According to him, the Patriot system is not as effective against cruise missiles.

And it definitely won’t be effective against drones“, said a White House representative, noting that this is the kind of weapon that Russia often uses.

Kirby added that Ukraine’s limited capabilities in intercepting hypersonic missiles are not surprising.

Hypersonic missiles in general are very difficult to intercept, – stated the official.