President Biden Greenlights Patriot System Dispatch to Ukraine: NYT Reports
Upon President Joe Biden's approval, another Patriot system will be dispatched to Ukraine, as reported by The New York Times (NYT), cited by BBC.
Sources within the publication reveal that this decision was made last week following a series of high-level meetings and discussions regarding Ukraine's urgent need for bolstered air defence capabilities. The aim is to strengthen Ukraine's defence without compromising the military readiness of the USA.
The second system will be delivered to Ukraine from Poland. Officials suggest that deployment could occur within the next few days, contingent upon any necessary maintenance or modifications.
The Patriot system stands as one of the most coveted assets in the American arsenal. The Pentagon's request for Patriot and other air defence systems has notably surged over the past year, particularly in the aftermath of Hamas' attack on Israel, as reported by NYT.
Additionally, Germany will transfer a Patriot system to Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the leader of Kiev, currently visiting Germany, shared a photo of the Patriot anti-aircraft defence system destined for Ukraine. He also convened with Ukrainian military personnel undergoing training to operate the system.
Zelensky visited the military base in the city of Zanitz accompanied by the German defence minister, Boris Pistorius.
According to the Ukrainian president's press service, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Germany for an additional 700 million euro aid package. He specified that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not only receive another Patriot installation but also "high-quality German IRIS-T systems."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
