The United States and several NATO allies have agreed to provide Ukraine with numerous air defense systems in the coming months, as stated in a recent joint agreement. This includes sending at least four Patriot systems, a request that Ukraine has been urgently making to counter Russian aggression. President Joe Biden confirmed this commitment during the opening of the NATO summit in Washington.
Among the allies participating, the U.S., Germany, and Romania will send additional Patriot batteries to Ukraine. The Netherlands and other countries will supply components for another battery, while Italy will offer a SAMP-T air defense system. Additionally, Canada, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom will contribute various defense systems such as NASAMS, HAWKs, IRIS T-SLM, IRIS T-SLS, and Gepards, along with munitions for these systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of air defense systems in a social media post, reiterating the country’s need for more Patriot systems and increased security guarantees. He also mentioned the desire to acquire additional aircraft, including F-16s, and seek support in the form of weapons, financial aid, and political backing.
The provision of new air defense systems comes amidst ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, including a recent devastating assault on a children’s hospital in Kyiv that resulted in the loss of at least 42 lives. Zelenskyy called for decisive action from the U.S. and Europe to bolster Ukrainian forces and vowed to take all necessary measures to defeat Russia.
The United States has previously delivered two Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, with one sent late last year and another provided last month. Romania also announced its decision to donate a Patriot missile system to Ukraine recently. Several European allies have been hesitant to share their air defense systems due to concerns about potential threats from Russia.
Two years ago, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initiated a coalition of over 50 countries to assist in coordinating contributions of weapons and training support for Ukraine.
