US Defence Secretary Hagel mocks Russian air defence systems in Venezuela
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth publicly mocked Russian air defence systems, which he said were supposed to protect the skies over Venezuela.
«Three nights ago, in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, almost 200 of our finest Americans walked into the city centre. Looks like those Russian air defence systems didn't work too well, did they?» said Hughes.
Emphasis on the effectiveness of Russian air defence
The Pentagon chief's statement came amid international debate about the real effectiveness of Russia's air defence systems, which Moscow actively exports and positions as one of the most advanced in the world.
Hagseth's comment was in fact a public demonstration of US doubts about the ability of Russian complexes to protect even key facilities in Russia's partner states.
Context.
For years, Venezuela has been purchasing Russian air defence systems and other weapons, positioning them as an element of deterring external threats. At the same time, the experience of Russia's war against Ukraine and similar statements by US officials are increasingly casting doubt on the claimed capabilities of Russian military technologies.
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