US moves Patriot air defense system from 'Israel' to Ukraine
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The NYT says Ukraine is set to receive an additional Patriot missile system, including one refurbished from "Israel", as Kiev’s air defenses remain strained and US military aid begins to dwindle.
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A Patriot missile mobile launcher is displayed outside the Fort Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., on March 21, 2023 (AP, File)
Ukraine is set to receive a refurbished Patriot missile system that was previously stationed in "Israel", The New York Times reported on Sunday, citing four current and former US officials.
Western allies are also discussing the logistics of transferring an additional system from either Germany or Greece to bolster Ukraine's strained air defense, the report added.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson, James Hewitt, declined to disclose specific defense deployments but reiterated that “President Trump has been clear: he wants the war in Ukraine to end and the killing to stop.”
A former White House official noted that the Biden administration had secured "Israel’s" agreement for the transfer back in September, before Donald Trump’s election victory. The US Department of Defense confirmed that the equipment for Ukraine continues to be drawn from previously authorized packages.
Kiev faces escalating Russian attacks
The delivery of the Patriot missile systems, previously unreported, comes at a time when Russia is intensifying its military campaign in Ukraine.
In recent months, Ukraine has requested additional air defense support as part of its broader appeal for military aid. A year ago, President Volodymyr Zelensky requested seven Patriot systems. Ukraine now has eight, but only six are operational. The remaining two, along with the system from "Israel", are undergoing refurbishment. The additional supply from Germany or Greece would bring the total to ten systems, with most intended to defend Kiev, according to the report.
Trump shifts tone on Ukraine, talks Patriot supply
As the Russia-Ukraine war escalates, Trump’s rhetoric on Ukraine has softened. At Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City, Trump held a cordial meeting with Zelensky, a stark contrast to a tense encounter in the Oval Office in February. Trump later rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin on social media, writing, “Vladimir, STOP!” following the deadly missile barrage.
Despite initially downplaying Ukraine’s request for more Patriot missile systems, Trump acknowledged their importance after Zelensky renewed his offer to purchase them.
Patriot shortages strain Ukraine’s air defense
Ukraine’s air defense remains under immense pressure. On the night of April 24, nearly 70 missiles and about 150 drones reportedly targeted cities across Ukraine, primarily Kiev. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine’s Interior Minister, confirmed the country lacked sufficient systems to intercept the wave of projectiles.
Each Patriot missile system requires around 90 troops to operate and costs at least $1 billion. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, 186 systems are in use globally, with the US owning nearly one-third. Several have been deployed across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to protect US interests.
European allies hold roughly 40 of the systems. Germany and Greece, which collectively own about 15, are under discussion for further transfers. The incoming system from "Israel", an older model, is expected to arrive in Ukraine this summer, The New York Times noted.
Ukraine eyes more support through minerals deal
A recent minerals deal signed between the United States and Ukraine may also pave the way for additional US military aid, the report highlighted. While it does not explicitly guarantee further weapon deliveries, the agreement reinforces strategic cooperation should peace talks with Russia fail.
Zelensky and Trump reportedly discussed sharing profits from Ukrainian resource extraction during their meeting in Vatican City. Trump later confirmed that Zelensky requested more Patriot systems during that discussion.
Though Ukraine continues to receive weapons under the Biden administration’s authorizations, those supplies are expected to run dry by the summer, adding urgency to Ukraine’s efforts to secure air defense reinforcements.
Read more: Trump hints at possible US withdrawal from Ukraine peace talks
