MOSCOW, 3 July 2024 – Russia has issued a stern warning to Israel following reports that the country may supply Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vassiliy Nebenzia, stated that Israel would face severe consequences if it went ahead with providing these weapons to Ukraine, according to a report by RT International on Wednesday, June 3.

Israel acquired eight Patriot missile defense systems from the United States over 30 years ago. These systems, specifically the M901 PAC-2 battery model, have recently been deemed obsolete by the Israeli Defense Ministry. In April, the ministry announced plans to replace them with more modern missile defense systems.

Following this announcement, Ukraine expressed interest in acquiring the outdated Patriot systems for its defense forces. Recent discussions have taken place involving the US, Israel, and Ukraine to facilitate this transfer.

In his statement, Ambassador Nebenzia emphasized that the introduction of additional advanced weaponry into Ukraine would not change the outcome of the conflict. "No matter how powerful the weapons sent to Ukraine are, they will be destroyed," he asserted. He pointed to the extensive destruction of Western-supplied weapons in Ukraine over the past two years as evidence of Russia's capabilities.

Nebenzia also issued a broader warning, stating, "If any new state outside the United States and the Western world provides arms to Ukraine, the consequences will be serious." This statement underscores the potential for escalating tensions and conflict should non-Western countries become involved in arming Ukraine.

The potential transfer of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Patriot systems are known for their advanced missile interception capabilities, which could enhance Ukraine's defensive operations. However, the move also risks further escalating tensions between Russia and Israel, as well as between Russia and the Western allies supporting Ukraine.

This situation adds another layer of complexity to the international dynamics surrounding the Ukraine conflict. It raises questions about the extent of support that countries outside of the traditional Western alliance are willing to provide to Ukraine and the potential repercussions of such support.

Russia has threatened Israel with severe consequences should it provide Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. This development follows Israel's announcement to replace its outdated Patriot systems and Ukraine's request to acquire them. The situation underscores the escalating international stakes in the Ukraine conflict and highlights the potential for increased tensions and conflict involving non-Western states.