Russia is trying to bait Ukraine into using up all its Patriot missiles, leaving itself vulnerable, expert says

• Russia has ramped up its missile attacks against Ukraine, launching its biggest barrages of the war.
• It may have a specific motive: to deplete Ukraine's limited stocks of Patriot air-defense ammo.
• Ukraine gets some of its Patriot ammo from the US — where Congress blocking further supplies.

Russia's recent, huge missile barrage on Ukraine has caused widespread destruction — but may have a more specific aim, too.

As well as trying to destroy the targets of its strikes, Russia is likely trying to get Ukraine to expend precious ammunition for its Patriot air-defense systems, an expert told Business Insider.