 The Kremlin said on Wednesday, December 14, that U.S.-made Patriot missile defense systems would be a legitimate target for Russian strikes against Ukraine, should the United States authorize them to be delivered to support Kiev. Washington is finalizing plans to send the Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, a decision that could be announced as soon as this week. Three U.S. officials told Reuters on Tuesday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Patriots would definitely be a target for Russia, but that he would not comment on unconfirmed media reports. The Patriot is considered to be one of the most advanced U.S. air defense systems, including against aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. It typically includes launches along with radar and other support vehicles. The Pentagon says Russia's recent surge in missile strikes in Ukraine is partly designed to exhaust Kiev's supplies of air defenses so it can dominate the skies above the country. For that reason, the United States and its allies have been delivering more air defense systems to Kiev. For the United States, this has included NASAM's air defense systems that the Pentagon says have flawlessly intercepted Russian missiles in Ukraine. Washington has so far provided Ukraine with $19.3 billion in military assistance since the start of the conflict.