Since October, Russia has been terrorizing Ukraine with targeted shelling of critical infrastructure. President Selenskyj encourages his compatriots. Apparently, the country is now much better positioned in terms of air defense. Washington is considering the delivery of Patriot anti-missiles.
After new Russian drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyj relies on more modern and more effective anti-aircraft systems from the West. “This week we made significant progress on the issue of anti-aircraft defense,” Zelensky said in his video message that was broadcast in Kyiv that evening. He did not give details. According to media reports, the US government is considering supplying the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy reported that 13 Russian drones had been shot down in the morning. “That means 13 spared infrastructure objects, that’s saved lives,” he said. Ukraine is constantly expanding its air defenses. “And we are doing everything to get more modern and more effective systems for Ukraine.” Without giving details, Zelenskyj said that agreements to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities are being worked on.
The Russian attacks are primarily aimed at the country’s energy infrastructure. After speaking with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Zelenskyy said the United Nations and Ukraine were working together on a mission to inspect the power plants. Selenskyj complained that Russia was only aiming for destruction and wanted to reduce everything to rubble and ashes. “There is no rest at the front.” At the same time, the President reported that once again 64 Ukrainian officers and soldiers had been released from Russian captivity.
The Patriot plans are yet to be approved by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, several US media outlets have reported, citing unnamed government sources. The Patriot air defense system would reshuffle some of the cards in Russia-attacked Ukraine. It can repel aircraft, cruise missiles, drones or missiles even at a greater distance.
However, there is no official confirmation of Washington’s plans. There is currently nothing to announce, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said on Tuesday. One is in talks with Kyiv and always checks “the entire spectrum of security support and defense capabilities” in US inventories with a view to needs. According to reports, there could be a final announcement later this week. It is now also unclear how many so-called Patriot batteries the USA would deliver to Ukraine.
