Russian Claims To Have Destroyed Ukrainian HIMARS Are False -Pentagon

The Pentagon denied Russian claims that it had destroyed six US-made HIMARS missile systems since the start of the Ukrainian conflict on Tuesday.

According to Interfax, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated on Tuesday that Russia destroyed the HIMARS after deploying tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine on February 24.

“We are aware of these latest claims by Minister Shoigu and they are again patently false,” Todd Breasseale, the Pentagon’s acting spokesman, said.

“What is happening, however, is that the Ukrainians are employing with devastating accuracy and effectiveness each of the fully accounted for precision missile systems provided to them by the United States, our Allies, and partners to defend against Russia’s brutal, criminal invasion,” Breasseale added.

Russia frequently claims to have hit HIMARS but has yet to provide proof.

Since Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine, Russia has also destroyed five anti-ship Harpoon missile launch systems and 33 M777 howitzers, according to Shoigu.

Reuters was unable to confirm the accuracy of the reports.

Officials in Ukraine have stated that they operate up to a dozen HIMARS systems, whose accuracy and long range have allowed Kyiv to reduce Russia’s artillery advantage.