US, allies to provide Ukraine with four Patriot systems
2 Min Read
US President Joe Biden says this is "a pivotal moment" for Europe, the transatlantic community, and the world.
-
NATO leaders pose for a family photo before President Joe Biden, front row center, delivers remarks on the 75th anniversary of NATO at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Washington. (AP)
The United States, Germany, Romania, and the Netherlands announced in a statement at NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington that they are providing Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems.
President Joe Biden described the "historic donation", which includes a new US Patriot system, as part of NATO's efforts to protect Ukraine from Russian air attacks.
Germany and Romania had already confirmed they were sending two Patriot systems each, while the Netherlands mentioned it was assembling one to assist Kiev. Italy is also contributing a separate missile system.
"The war will end with Ukraine remaining a free and independent country. Russia will not prevail," Biden stated at a ceremony in the same room where NATO's founding treaty was signed in 1949.
"This is a pivotal moment for Europe, for the transatlantic community, and, I might add, for the world," he added.
Biden said with other leaders that they aim to send dozens more shorter-range systems to Ukraine in the coming months.
For months, Ukraine has been requesting seven additional Patriot systems to defend against Russian strikes two and a half years into the war.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg urged alliance members to continue their support for Kiev, warning that a Russian victory would pose the "greatest risk" to the US-led military bloc.
"The outcome of this war will shape global security for decades to come," Stoltenberg emphasized.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Kiev's backers for the air defense, urging the United States and others to further assist his country against Russia.
In a speech to a think tank, he said the "whole world" was looking toward the outcome of the US election in November.
"And truly speaking, Putin awaits November," Zelensky said.
Read more: Ukraine's 'irreversible' NATO membership mainly symbolic: US report
