27th April, 2024
The Pentagon has announced its intention to expedite the delivery of Patriot air defense missiles and artillery ammunition to Ukraine as part of a newly proposed military aid package. However, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin clarified that the Patriot missile launch systems will not be included in this shipment.
In response to the escalating Russian air threat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for Patriot missiles, stating that they have the potential to save lives immediately.
Over the weekend, Ukraine reported another significant air attack carried out by Russia. In Kharkiv, authorities reported damage to a hospital, while Energy Minister German Galushchenko highlighted attacks on energy facilities in three regions.
According to Ukrainian sources, Russia’s attack involved cruise missiles, S-300 surface-to-air missiles, and Iskander ballistic missiles. Ukrainian defense efforts resulted in the downing of 21 enemy aircraft using a combination of aircraft, air defense systems, and electronic jamming.
Additionally, Ukraine claimed to have targeted two Russian oil refineries across the border. Footage from one refinery in the Russian region of Krasnodar showed a substantial explosion, although local authorities denied significant damage.
Russian authorities reported that they had intercepted 68 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory on Saturday.
People shelter in the Kyiv metro on Saturday during a Russian missile attack
During a news conference on Friday, Defense Secretary Mr. Austin announced the United States’ commitment to providing its largest security assistance package to date for Ukraine, stating that efforts to deliver supplies would commence immediately.
The allocated sum for this purpose amounts to $6 billion (£4.8 billion), sourced from a $60 billion aid package recently signed into law by President Joe Biden on Wednesday. This comprehensive aid package also includes an additional $1 billion for more immediate assistance.
The assistance earmarked for Ukraine encompasses air defense munitions, counter-drone systems, and artillery ammunition, albeit excluding Patriot missile systems. Mr. Austin emphasized that while Patriots are crucial, Ukraine requires a variety of systems and interceptors. He cautioned against viewing Patriot missiles as the sole solution, highlighting the need for a diversified defense strategy.
Mr. Austin expressed confidence that additional missile systems would be made available to Kyiv in the near future, with ongoing discussions underway with European partners to provide further capabilities.
General Charles Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, asserted that this assistance would alleviate the need for Ukrainian forces to ration shells on the frontlines. Furthermore, a portion of the funding will be allocated towards bolstering Ukraine’s domestic defense industry, enabling the country to produce much-needed ammunition domestically.
Mr. Austin underscored Russia’s efforts to bolster its military capabilities, including increased domestic production of artillery ammunition and weapons, as well as support from Iran and North Korea. He emphasized the significance of Ukraine’s struggle, cautioning that if Putin were to succeed in Ukraine, Europe would face an unprecedented security threat.
Regarding the efficacy of US aid in protecting Ukrainian forces, Mr. Austin emphasized the substantial and tangible nature of the commitment, albeit acknowledging that its impact would not be immediate. He stressed the importance of time in the distribution of aid, highlighting that with this enhanced capability, Ukrainian forces could significantly improve their defensive capabilities.
Mr. Austin’s remarks coincided with Ukraine’s warning on Friday of escalating Russian attacks on its railways. A Ukrainian security source revealed to AFP that Moscow’s objective was to disrupt Ukrainian railway infrastructure, aiming to hinder the delivery and movement of military cargo
US Defence Minister Lloyd Austin said the aid package was the largest committed to Ukraine to date
Ukraine possesses only a limited number of Patriot missile systems, which supplement other Western missile defense systems and the existing inventory of Soviet-era surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), such as the S-300.
Among Ukraine’s defense arsenal, Patriots represent the most advanced and costly air defense systems. Each Patriot battery comes with a hefty price tag of approximately $1 billion (£800 million), with individual missiles costing nearly $4 million.
Germany has pledged to provide an additional Patriot system, with its defense and foreign ministers urging European counterparts to respond promptly earlier this month. However, Greece, despite possessing stocks of Patriots and S-300s, cited the critical nature of its air defense systems for safeguarding Greek airspace and therefore could not spare any.
Greek Prime Minister Kyrios Mitsotakis explained the rationale, stating that his country’s air defenses were indispensable for protecting Greek airspace, hence the inability to allocate resources to Ukraine.
Reports indicate that Spain will supply some Patriot missiles, although not an entire system.
In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its appeals for Western assistance, as its ammunition reserves dwindle and Russia makes steady territorial gains. Ukrainian officials have attributed the loss of lives and territory to delays in military aid from the US and other Western allies.