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Ukraine has appealed to the West for air defense weapons as it faces constant air raids from Russia in the war that has lasted almost 10 months. The United States is reportedly finalizing its plans to send Ukraine its Patriot air defense system.
Reuters and the Associated Press reported that Washington is set to announce that it will be sending Ukraine its Patriot air defense system following a request by Kyiv to do so, according to US officials. The US is finalizing its plans to send Ukraine the air defense system as the country’s energy infrastructure has been the main target of Russia’s air strikes.
This comes as Ukraine’s air defenses were tested following a recent drone strike by Russia on Wednesday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said emergency services were dispatched to the Shevchenkivskyi area in central Kyiv after explosions were heard.
This also follows the appeal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Western leaders on Monday to provide more advanced weapons for Ukrainian forces. The Patriot system would be the most advanced air defense system provided to Ukraine by the West.
Ukraine obtaining the Patriot air defense capability would be a very significant advantage for Kyiv, according to retired US Army lieutenant colonel Alexander Vindman, who previously served as the White House expert on Ukraine policy.
“These are going to be quite capable of dealing with a lot of different challenges the Ukrainians have, especially if the Russians bring in short-range ballistic missiles,” said Vindman.
The United States has given Ukraine $19.3 billion in military assistance since Russia invaded on February 24. Washington and its allies have since provided Ukraine with weapons, a mix of Soviet-era and modern equipment.
On Monday, the G7 countries pledged to meet Ukraine’s “urgent requirements” during their virtual summit to discuss the war. During the meeting, Zelenskyy also appealed to the G7 to help Ukraine get two billion cubic liters of natural gas in order to address the country’s energy shortages.
The foreign ministers of the European Union have also agreed to provide an additional $2.1 billion in funds to finance military support for Ukraine.
