The Kremlin said Wednesday that the US Patriot missile defense systems would be a legitimate target for Russian attacks on Ukraine if the US allowed its shipment to support Kiev.

Three US officials told Reuters on Tuesday that Washington has finalized its plans to deploy the Patriot missile defense system in Ukraine, in a decision that could be announced earlier this week.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Patriots would “definitely” be a target for Russia but would not comment on unconfirmed media reports.

considered patriotic One of the most advanced air defense systems in the USA, including against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. It typically includes launchers along with radar and other support means.

The Pentagon says Russia’s latest wave of missile strikes against Ukraine is partly designed to deplete Kiev’s air defense resources so it can dominate the skies above the country. That’s why the US and its allies are providing more air defense to Kiev.