Dutch PM proposes purchasing Patriot air defense systems from other countries for Ukraine
Photo: Reuters
Upon arriving at the EU summit in Brussels, the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rütte, proposed that Western countries purchase Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine from nations that possess them yet refuse to supply them to Kyiv.
The Guardian reports this.
Rütte, who is the leading candidate for the position of the new NATO Secretary General, emphasized that there is an urgent need to deliver surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.
He added that he would continue trying to convince the countries with Patriot to release them for Ukraine.
"We know that many countries are sitting on a large pile of Patriot systems, perhaps not wanting to provide them directly. We can buy from them, we can deliver to Ukraine, we have the money. This is extremely important," Rütte emphasized.
The other day, the Netherlands budgeted another 4 billion euros of military aid for Ukraine to be provided over the next two years.
Amsterdam also promised several Patriots, although it didn't clarify the exact number.
As Rubryka previously reported, on April 13, Germany announced it would immediately transfer another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. The system is being provided in addition to the air defense systems already deployed and still planned to be deployed to repel Russian air attacks.
For reference:
President Zelensky recently emphasized the need for Ukraine to acquire 25 Patriot air defense systems or their equivalent to secure the country's airspace fully.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, also announced that Ukraine has identified 100 Patriots available globally, but Ukraine needs to obtain seven to protect against Russian missiles.
In addition, according to the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Ukraine is ready to lend seven batteries of the Patriot air defense system.
Earlier, Kuleba outlined five priorities for Ukrainian diplomats to focus on in 2024.
Strengthening air defense is a crucial focus for Kyiv this year. Ukraine is seeking to acquire not only the Patriot air defense systems but also the Samp-T systems.
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