Pentagon officially confirms Russia's Kinzhal missile downed by Patriot system in Ukraine

The U.S. Department of Defense has officially confirmed that the Ukrainian military shot down Russia’s Kinzhal missile in Ukraine by employing the Patriot missile defense system.

The relevant statement was made by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder during a press briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“I can confirm that they did down a Russian missile by employing the Patriot missile defense system,” Ryder said.

In his words, the United States and partner countries provided a broader range of air defense capabilities to Ukraine, including the Patriot missile defense system.

In cooperation with allies and partners, the United States will continue to rush ground-based air defense capabilities and munitions to help Ukraine control its sovereign skies and to help Ukraine defend its citizens from Russian cruise missiles and Iranian drones, Ryder added.

A reminder that the U.S. Department of Defense announced a new security assistance package to Ukraine, totaling up to $1.2 billion.