The United States will send Ukraine another Patriot missile system, answering Kyiv’s desperate calls for more air defenses as it battles a Russian assault on the northeastern Kharkiv region. President Joe Biden has approved the move, making it the second Patriot system provided by the U.S. to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for additional Patriot systems to help fend off Russian strikes on the power grid, civilian areas, and military targets. Zelenskyy specified that Ukraine urgently needs seven more systems to protect against devastating glide bombs that Russia launches into the country each month.
Defense leaders will meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss Ukraine’s security needs, including air defense systems. The U.S. has urged allies to provide such systems to Ukraine, but some countries are hesitant to give up high-tech equipment due to security concerns regarding Russia. The U.S. is also cautious about giving away too many systems, as they are crucial for protecting U.S. forces and allies worldwide.
