Austin: Patriot is priority, but Ukraine should get other systems as well
Photo: Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense of the United States of America (Getty Images)
Supporting Ukraine in the area of air defense remains a priority. In addition to Patriot air defense missile systems, other systems need to be transferred, according to Lloyd Austin, the head of the United States Department of Defense.
Regarding the Patriot systems, Austin stated that air defense is a priority and that additional Patriot systems need to be provided to Ukraine. The United States is dedicating significant time to urging other countries to transfer not only Patriot systems but also other air defense systems to Ukraine.
He added that today he has no new announcements regarding the Patriot systems, but efforts are being made to provide Ukraine with additional capabilities as quickly as possible.
Austin also commented on the information that Poland refused to transfer its Patriot systems to Ukraine. The head of Poland's National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, called such a move dangerous as it would reduce the protection of his country.
"I've seen some of the press reporting. There will be no change in our Patriot coverage in Poland. We are going to do everything we can to get Ukraine what it needs. We are going to encourage others, to work with others to get Ukraine what it needs as quickly as we can," Austin said.
Air defense for Ukraine
In recent months, against the backdrop of massive shelling by the Russian Federation, the issue of strengthening Ukraine's air defense has become more urgent. As previously noted by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, only 25 Patriot units are needed for full protection of the sky.
Today, June 13, a meeting in the Ramstein format is taking place in Brussels. The main topic of the meeting will be strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
