This Video Does Not Show Ukrainian Forces Launching a U.S. Patriot

Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.

Fire Exercise by 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

Misbar's team found that the video, which dates back to November 5, 2022, captures the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command conducting a live-fire exercise with Patriot missiles at the McGregor Range Complex in New Mexico.

Ukraine Receives Its First American F-16 Fighter Jets

The circulation of the claim followed reports from Ukrainian officials about the successful integration of U.S.-supplied military equipment into their defense operations. This surge in information was further fueled by various social media users sharing videos and images showcasing the impact of Western support on Ukraine's military capabilities. Notably, the arrival of American-made F-16 fighter jets has drawn significant attention, as these advanced aircraft mark a substantial upgrade from the outdated Soviet-era jets previously used by Ukrainian forces.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's announcements regarding the F-16s underscored their crucial role in enhancing Ukraine's air defense strategy, especially amid ongoing hostilities. These claims highlight not only the ongoing struggles faced by Ukrainian forces but also the strategic significance of receiving modern weaponry from allies in their fight against aggression.

The situation has galvanized NATO member nations to rally around Ukraine, pledging military aid and further support as the operational demands of the conflict evolve. Social media has played a critical role in rapidly disseminating this information, influencing public perception and fostering a stronger sense of international solidarity with Ukraine's plight.

Intensified Russian Offensives Strain Ukrainian Resistance Near Pokrovsk

Ukrainian officials report that intensified Russian assaults are increasing pressure on the vital eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. Waves of guided bombs and infantry attacks have led to some of Moscow's most significant territorial gains since spring, with about 57 square kilometers (22 square miles) captured in just one week, marking the third-largest advance since April after modest progress in June, according to analyst Pasi Paroinen from the Black Bird Group, as conveyed by Reuters.

Russian forces are deploying warplanes and artillery to support their infantry advances around Pokrovsk. A spokesperson from Ukraine’s National Guard highlighted that these assaults often lack armored vehicle support and predominantly rely on infantry. Ruslan Muzychuk emphasized the dangers posed by Russian airstrikes, particularly at the Pokrovsk and Toretsk fronts, where Ukrainian positions are facing a high volume of daily aviation bombardments.

In the past week, Russia's Defense Minister announced that its forces had seized five settlements in the Donetsk region. Valeriy Romanenko, an aviation expert based in Kyiv, noted that Russia's strategy of using warplanes to drop guided bombs is central to their battlefield tactics, which he likened to a “conveyor belt.” He explained that rather than breaching Ukrainian defenses, Russian forces are gradually pushing them back, advancing 100 to 200 meters daily through a cycle of bombings followed by ground assaults. While he suggested that the potential arrival of U.S. F-16 fighters could disrupt this strategy by posing a threat to Russian aircraft, he cautioned that operational deployment of these jets was unlikely in the immediate future due to the risks for new pilots flying these complex machines. The situation has led to a significant increase in civilian evacuations, with requests for assistance rising nearly tenfold in the past two weeks, as volunteer efforts ramp up amid the escalating conflict.

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