Ukrainian Air Force denies alleged destruction of Patriot system
Acting Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Yuriy Ihnat has denied allegations about destruction of a Patriot air defense system in Dnipropetrovsk region.
"What happened on October 9? Yes, nothing new, the enemy only damaged a few pieces of equipment, not destroyed. This is war, not only people get wounded in war, but also equipment. Moreover, the same Patriot system continues to perform tasks in the region," he said on Facebook on Thursday.
The spokesperson noted that on that day the Patriot system was conducting an anti-aircraft battle against a group of Russian ballistic missiles, and managed to intercept some of them.
"The Air Force cannot justify itself to the public every time because of the informational swipes by Maryana and her kind. Because of these explanations, the enemy gets additional information when planning subsequent attacks. But we can't refuse to respond either, because the boiling point is too high, isn't it?" Ihnat said.
Separately, he emphasized that the Patriot system is one of the highest priority targets for the enemy because "thanks to this American air defense system, we keep Russian aviation at a certain distance."
In addition, Ihnat pointed out that the enemy is changing its tactics of use, using all available methods of intelligence from satellites and reconnaissance drones to ground-based agents. According to him, "the enemy does not spare Iskander missiles with information about the potential presence of a Patriot in a particular area."
"Remember a fundraising campaign for mockups, their importance and necessity in these conditions of warfare. The enemy often targets mockups, but sometimes, unfortunately, it is real equipment," the Air Force explained.
As reported, Russian propaganda media, as well as a number of Telegram channels, spread a video on which allegedly a Patriot battery was hit in Dnipropetrovsk region. Also, Ukrainian MP Maryana Bezuhla reported a damage to Patriot on the Telegram channel.
"Another damaged Patriot, and this is not the first one. And all because of the lack of a system, which the current generals are simply unable to build because of their IQ, lack of desire and corruption," she said.