United to win: Latvia to transfer short-range air defense system to Ukraine
Photo: the Office of the President
Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said Latvia is ready to hand over a short-range air defense system to Ukraine.
Rubryka reported this with reference to his statement.
He said some countries have Patriot systems, and others don't.
"However, we are talking not only about Patriot systems. They are definitely crucial; our Ukrainian counterparts have also stressed this. However, when discussing air defense, there are various systems available," the minister said.
He emphasized that Latvia is ready to contribute to Ukraine's air defense.
"We are talking about a multi-level approach, so of course, it will be short-range air defense," Spruds said.
For reference:
Lately, Russia has been ramping up its air attacks on Ukrainian cities and essential infrastructure.
The occupants are utilizing ballistic missiles that can only be countered by two air defense systems globally:
- the American Patriot air defense system;
- and the Franco–Italian SAMP/T.
Although Ukraine has some air defense systems in its arsenal, the quantity does not match the level of danger.
Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has repeatedly stated that at least 25 Patriot complexes are needed to reliably protect the country's airspace.
The lack of effective air defense systems endangers the lives of civilians and critical infrastructure facilities in Ukraine.
At the same time, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Ukraine could receive six more Patriot systems from partners.
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said that it is cheaper to buy American Patriot systems than to restore a thermal power plant that was destroyed by a Russian missile.
Borrell stressed that the problem is not time but quantity.
"A year from now, it may be too late. Before talking about restoring Ukraine, we must avoid its destruction. It is cheaper to buy Patriot systems than to restore the power plant targeted by the Russians," said the head of EU diplomacy.
