US Poised to Provide Ukraine With Patriot Missile Systems

Ukrainian soldiers would likely be trained on how to use the air defense systems in Germany

The US is finalizing plans to send Raytheon-made Patriot air defense missile systems to Ukraine, and the decision could be made by the Biden administration this week, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Sending the Patriots would mark a significant escalation in US military aid as the missiles are considered to be one of the most advanced US-made air defense systems. The systems are usually in short supply as there is a high demand for them from many US allies.

The plan to send Patriots to Kyiv comes as Russian missile strikes have been pounding Ukrainian infrastructure. President Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday and pledged the US would provide more air defense support.

If the US does provide the system, Ukrainian soldiers would likely be trained on how to use them in Germany. US officials told Reuters that the announcement could be made as soon as Thursday, and the decision is just awaiting the approval of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, a former Raytheon board member.

Russia has previously warned NATO against sending Patriot systems to Ukraine and would view the move as an escalation of US involvement in the war. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, said that Patriot systems and any NATO personnel that are sent into Ukraine would become “legitimate targets for our armed forces.”

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.