US engages in negotiations with its European allies to deploy additional Patriot missile systems to Ukraine

Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, has engaged in discussions with European allies regarding the means to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems

During a press conference on Friday at the Pentagon, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, mentioned several one-on-one conversations that took place this past week. According to Pentagon reports, Austin engaged in discussions with defense officials from Romania, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Greece, among other countries.

“Going forward, we’ll be able to hopefully work with a number of countries to put together additional Patriot capability for Ukraine,” Austin said.

The remarks were made following the 21st meeting of a coalition that the U.S. organized to assist Kyiv in protecting itself. On Friday, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) celebrated its second anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy delivered a virtual address at the summit to honor the occasion.

“We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles,” Zelenskyy stated in a post on X, along with his comments. According to his argument, Ukraine lacks seven necessary batteries.

Throughout the war, Pentagon officials have consistently emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to have a consistent provision of air defense interceptors to effectively counter the onslaught of attack drones and missiles. The necessity for those missiles increased when American assistance ceased at the beginning of the year, prompting Ukraine to implement rationing of its supplies.

Following a six-month wait, Congress approved a $48 billion renewal of security assistance to Ukraine, and the Pentagon expedited the delivery of a $1 billion package of aid to Kyiv, which included air defense interceptors.
Furthermore, Austin made an additional declaration on Friday regarding a distinct $6 billion package. Despite encompassing air defense capabilities, this funding tranche is part of a larger long-term resource pool, potentially delaying the delivery of the weapons for several years.

Germany announced this month its intention to dispatch an additional Patriot battery to Kyiv, while other European leaders have exhibited more prudence. “We’re going to ask them to accept a little bit more risk so that we can do what’s necessary in Ukraine,” Austin said.

Source: Newsroom