European Countries with Patriot Missile Systems Reluctant to Send Them to Ukraine

 

European Union nations with Patriot air defense systems seem hesitant to provide them to Ukraine, which is seeking at least seven missile batteries to defend against Russian air attacks. Ukraine's air force is weaker than Russia's, but Western-supplied sophisticated missile systems could significantly threaten Russian aviation as the Kremlin's forces slowly advance along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line in the war.

 

Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot stated that the Netherlands is considering all possibilities to support Ukraine's air defenses, including funding a German initiative to bolster them and buying more drones. However, Slot noted that depleting their own Patriot systems might be difficult.

 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg mentioned that NATO has identified available air defense systems across its alliance, although he didn't specify which countries possess Patriots. The Patriot system, made in the U.S., is effective and consists of a truck-mounted launching system, radar, control station, generator, and interceptor missiles. Ukrainian troops are already trained to use it, but it takes up to two years to produce, making countries reluctant to give them away and weaken their own defenses. Germany is supplying three of its twelve Patriots to Ukraine, while Poland, which has two Patriots, is keeping them for its defense.

 

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said Sweden might send Patriots in the future but is currently focusing on financial contributions and other systems to relieve the pressure on Patriot needs. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill over the weekend, including $13.8 billion for Ukraine to purchase weapons, which might result in more air defense systems from the U.S.

 

Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that his country would decide on support for Ukraine based on its available resources. He cautioned against constant announcements about military aid, emphasizing the importance of security and discretion.

 

NATO maintains records of its 32 member countries' weapons stocks to ensure readiness. However, Stoltenberg said that if NATO countries must go below recommended levels to provide Ukraine with weapons, that might be a risk worth taking. He emphasized the importance of maintaining, repairing, and supplying spare parts and interceptor missiles for the Patriot batteries sent to Ukraine.

 

Separately, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis raised concerns about potential Russian sabotage against European facilities used to train Ukrainian troops. This comes after two German-Russian men were arrested in Germany on suspicion of espionage, with one allegedly agreeing to carry out attacks on U.S. military facilities.

 

Landsbergis noted similar activities in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, suggesting a coordinated Russian action against European countries. He urged finding solutions to the threat, as Russia's aggression extends beyond Ukraine to the West.