In an escalation that, if it does not cause a direct clash between Russia and NATO, will transfer the war to a complex gray area, Washington's announcement of readiness to supply Ukraine with "Patriot" missiles provoked a new escalation between the West and Russia, driving away hopes for a near end to the war that has been going on for 9 months.

An official at the US Department of Defense said that the shipment of Patriot missiles may reach Ukraine through a third country, which he did not name, expecting that this "will change the rules of the game with Russia".

Earlier in November, the Polish Defense Minister asked Germany to deliver Ukraine Patriot surface-to-air missiles intended for Poland to help Kiev in the face of Russia.

For its part, Moscow announced through the deputy chairman of the National Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, that the provision of NATO to Kiev with "Patriot" will have its results:

* Making these batteries a legitimate target for Russian forces.

* NATO soldiers with Patriot systems will immediately become a legitimate target of the Russian army.

According to the New York Times, NATO "wants to help Ukraine in the war, but does not want to participate directly in the conflict, and the promise to deliver anti-aircraft missile systems to Poland could complicate the situation".

American military expert Peter Alex comments that this proposal may not bring NATO into direct conflict with Russia, but will push it to an unknown area, pointing out that the "Patriot 3" offered by Germany has a range of only 20 miles, which means that it will not reach areas of Ukraine.

As for the Russian expert Vladimir Igor, he warns that NATO is seeking to drag Russia into a direct clash, explaining that "the deployment of American missiles on the territory of Ukraine is a provocative act aimed at escalating the war, and portends a major global confrontation".

"If Kiev acquires the defense system, NATO member states will enter the targeting range of Russian strikes, "adds Vladimir Igor.

"I think that such a scenario, if it does not lead NATO to a direct clash with Russia, will push it into a gray zone towards war, "Igor adds.