Russia claims that U.S. Patriot missiles in Ukraine won’t get in the way of its plans

The purchase of Patriot missiles by Ukraine from the United States, which was announced during President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s trip to Washington, was denied by Russia as having no bearing on the conflict’s resolution or Moscow’s ability to pursue its objectives.

President Vladimir Putin dismissed the Patriot air defense system as “pretty outdated,” assuring reporters that Moscow would find a method to counter it despite the fact that it is widely acknowledged to be a sophisticated system. He added that Russia wants to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine and that a diplomatic solution is a must for this.

Instead of trying to restart the military fight, our purpose is to put a stop to it, according to Putin. “We will work to put an end to this, and obviously the sooner the better.”

U.S. skepticism over these remarks spread quickly. Putin has “absolutely none indication” that he’s willing to negotiate an end to the war, according to White House spokesperson John Kirby.

Kirby told reporters that “what he (Putin) is doing on the ground and in the air bespeaks a leader who wants to continue inflicting brutality on the Ukrainian people (and) escalate the war.”

Although Russia has stated repeatedly that it is open to talks, Ukraine and its allies believe this is really a ruse to buy time following a string of Russian defeats and retreats on the battlefield that have shifted the tide of the 10-month conflict in Ukraine’s favor.

Zelenskiy is encouraged by President Joe Biden’s Wednesday gesture of support as he returns from his first travel abroad during a conflict.

“We are returning from Washington with successful outcomes. Using anything that will actually be helpful, “said Zelenskiy on Telegram.

As Zelenskiy started his visit, the Biden administration announced an additional $1.85 billion in military aid for Ukraine, including a Patriot system.

But the visit raises a lot of uncertainties, such as how American military assistance might change, if congressional backing will continue, and how the conflict will finish.

According to American officials, a single Patriot battery won’t alter the direction of the conflict.