How Ukraine secures Patriot missiles through NATO: Ukrainian diplomat explains
Photo: Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
Ukraine is receiving additional interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems through a special mechanism involving European NATO member states, Alyona Getmanchuk, head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO, said this in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to the diplomat, the mechanism for providing Ukraine with interceptor missiles involves encouraging European allies to provide, sell, or exchange missiles from their own stockpiles. In return, these countries will receive missiles supplied under Ukrainian contracts in the future.
NATO's direct assistance and advocacy play a key role in this process. The chances of a positive decision are significantly higher when the request comes not only from Kyiv but also from the Alliance itself, which gives the "green light" for the transfer of weapons.
"In fact, this year we have already received some additional interceptors from European NATO countries under this model. We are now working to get more European countries to transfer or sell them to us," Hetmanchuk said.
Which countries have the missiles
She said that fewer than 10 NATO member states in Europe currently have PAC-2 or PAC-3 missiles in their arsenals. These include Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Greece, Sweden and others.
At the same time, Getmanchuk stressed that all discussions about the possible transfer of these missiles are highly sensitive and cannot be discussed publicly.
Getmanchuk previously said that Ukraine receives Patriot interceptors from the US through the PURL program. However, as Russia has intensified its ballistic missile attacks, the need for these weapons has increased significantly.
US President Donald Trump also shared a Washington Post article outlining ways to address the shortage of missiles for Ukraine's air defense. One of the ideas proposed was to establish Patriot missile production directly in Ukraine.
