Russia Ukraine conflictRussia says US Patriot systems in Ukraine would be legitimate targetThe Patriot is considered to be one of the most advanced US air defense systems, including against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Patriots would “definitely” be a target for Russia, but that he would not comment on unconfirmed media reports.The Pentagon says Russia’s recent surge in missile strikes in Ukraine is partly designed to exhaust Kyiv’s supplies of air defenses so it can dominate the skies above the country.Washington has so far provided Ukraine with $19.3 billion in military assistance since the start of the conflict.Read more:NATO eyes boosting air defenses to repel drone, missile strikes in futureUS considers sending advanced air defense system to Ukraine, blasts hit Kyiv"