United to win: Netherlands sends three Patriot launchers to aid Ukraine

The Netherlands has provided three launchers for the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system amidst forecasts of a harsh winter for Ukraine.

The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, wrote that on Twitter.

"A severe winter awaits Ukrainians as destructive air strikes continue and continue," the minister emphasized.

The Netherlands transferred three Patriot launchers to Ukraine in response to this threat.

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"This saves lives and protects vital infrastructure," Brekelmans noted.

According to him, joint efforts are aimed at stopping Russian aggression.

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"Stopping Russian aggression was and remains in our common interests," the minister emphasized.

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The Patriot air defense system is an advanced air defense system developed by the United States to protect against missile and air attacks. It can hit tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Patriot is widely used both in the United States and in many countries around the world.

Previously, former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba reported that Ukraine had found 100 free Patriots in the world but initially wanted to get seven to protect against Russian missiles.

In addition, according to the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Ukraine was even ready to borrow seven Patriot air defense batteries.

In July, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine's air defense had been strengthened – the Patriot air defense system had arrived from Germany.

On September 5, the head of state announced that Ukraine expects international partners to implement a complete package of solutions for supplying air defense systems and other military assistance. He also thanked Romania for the Patriot air defense system donated.

According to Constantin Spinu, the Romanian Ministry of Defense spokesman, the Patriot air defense system provided by Bucharest arrived in Ukraine in October.

In addition, the United States of America is sending Ukraine more than 500 interceptor missiles used for the Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems.