Russian Kinzhal Missile Strikes US Patriot System in Kiev + the Fundamental Disadvantage West Faces

Update on the conflict in Ukraine for May 17, 2023:

– Russia’s Ministry of Defense and US officials confirm Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles successfully targeted US-made Patriot air defense systems;

– Patriot systems launched approximately 30 missiles over 2 minutes, representing tens of millions of dollars of missiles that were already in short supply;

– Despite this, the Western media continues repeating obvious fabrications about Ukraine intercepting “all” incoming missiles and drones. The Patriot system falling victim to a Kinzhal missile despite firing upward to 30 missiles calls into question Ukraine’s previous claims of intercepting a Kinzhal days earlier;

– As Ukraine burns through Western weapons and ammunition, the West continues preparing to transfer other weapon systems including warplanes;

– European nations are preparing a “coalition” to purchase and provide F-16 fighters to Ukraine;

– F-16 warplanes have no specific capability beyond the aircraft that made up Ukraine’s original air force which is now mostly destroyed;

References:

TASS – Russia hits US-made Patriot air defense system in Kiev with Kinzhal hypersonic weapon (May 16, 2023):
https://tass.com/defense/1618257

BBC – Ukraine war: Kyiv says it shot down Russian hypersonic missiles (May 17, 2023):
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe…

CNN – US assessing potential damage of Patriot missile defense system following Russian attack near Kyiv (May 16, 2023):
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/16/po…

Lockheed Martin – New Lockheed Martin Facility To Support Increased PAC-3 Production (October 2022):
https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2022-…

Guardian – UK and Netherlands agree ‘international coalition’ to help Ukraine procure F-16 jets (May 16, 2023):
https://www.theguardian.com/world/202…

Politico – The end of Ukraine aid is rapidly approaching. Reupping it won’t be easy (May 5, 2023):
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05…

The Atlantic – The Case for Increasing Aid to Ukraine (May 116, 2023):
https://www.theatlantic.com/newslette…