Ukraine denies Russia’s claims of destroying Patriot air defense battery
Read also: Patriot air defence system defeats Russia's latest missile attack on Kyiv
In a statement to Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne on May 30, Ihnat revealed that the Patriot system managed to shoot down all Russian Iskander ballistic missiles in a surprise attack on the capital a day earlier.
"There was a sudden attack yesterday; the enemy tried to catch us off-guard after a night attack on Kyiv with Shahed (drones) and Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles, but our air defense forces are always on the ready after a reload, because the enemy is sneaky and can strike at any moment," said Ihnat.
When asked for further clarification, he confirmed that the Patriot system protecting the Ukrainian capital remains intact.
Earlier on May 30, Russian Defense Ministry reported that it had hit "decision-making centers" in Kyiv, where "terrorist attacks on the territory of the Russian Federation" were allegedly being planned. According to Moscow, all of this was happening "under the guidance of western intelligence agencies."
Read also: Air Force says Russian ballistic missile ‘surprise attack’ on Kyiv misjudged Ukrainian air defenses
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu went even further, claiming that a Patriot missile defense system in Kyiv had been "damaged."
Since the beginning of May, Russian forces have carried out 17 airstrikes on Ukraine and Kyiv, using both long-range missiles and Iranian kamikaze drones.
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Most of the attacks occurred at night, but on May 29, Russian forces changed tactics, hitting Kyiv with ballistic missiles at noon. All eleven missiles were successfully intercepted.
However, missile and drone debris did fall on residential areas, killing one woman and causing several minor fires.
Read also: UK Def Sec in Kyiv, Abrams training to begin, Ukraine’s PATRIOT success surprises even US
On May 16, Russia attacked Kyiv with several dozen missiles, including six Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles, as well as sea- and air-launched cruise ones. Ukrainian officials subsequently said that all enemy targets over Kyiv were successfully intercepted.
Several media reports later said that at least one component of a Patriot battery in the city has sustained damage in the attack, possibly from the debris downed Russian missiles, as they seemingly were targeting the air defense module itself.
Read also: Military expert says Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners ‘rescued the reputation’ of Patriot system
Russia’s Defense Ministry eventually claimed the attack managed to destroy five Patriot AA missile launchers and a radar station. Several days later, U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that the minor damage sustained by Patriot battery in Kyiv has been fully repaired, and the system remains operational.
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