White House does not confirm Patriot battery was damaged in Ukraine

At the same time, Kirby said the United States would assist Ukraine in repairing the damage, if it turns out a Patriot system was hit in the recent Russian hypersonic missile strike.

Read also: Ukraine has already used Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets, report says

“First of all, I can’t confirm these reports,” said Kirby.

“It would depend on the scope of the damage if it could be repaired by Ukrainians on site. Obviously, if there was damage done to a Patriot system that needed to be repaired outside Ukraine, we would certainly assist with that.”

Read also: Zelenskyy inspects Dutch Patriot batteries to be handed over to Ukraine

Earlier, CNN reported that a U.S.-made Patriot missile defense system was likely damaged, but not destroyed, during a Russian missile attack on Kyiv on May 16. Two Patriot systems are currently located in Ukraine, one provided by the United States and the other by Germany and the Netherlands.

At night on May 16, Russia fired 18 missiles at Kyiv, including six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, all of which were successfully intercepted. The debris from downed missiles caused minor damage across the city, with no casualties. Ukrainian officials described the attack as an “exceptional in terms of intensity.”

Read also: Air Force reveals that Patriot system that took down Russian Kinzhal was operating autonomously

The Ukrainian Air Force declined to comment on Russian media reporting the attack managed to destroy a Patriot battery.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine