NATO to convene Patriot-owning nations next week to boost Ukraine's air defense
Photo: NATO coordinates a meeting of Patriot-owning nations to support Ukraine (Getty Images)
NATO plans to gather countries that own Patriot missile systems to support Ukraine. The meeting is expected to take place next week, according to a Reuters journalist, Clauda Tanios.
Allied nations are preparing for a key meeting focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.
According to a source familiar with the talks, the meeting of Patriot-owning countries and Ukraine’s main donors could be held as early as next Wednesday, Reuters reports.
The initiative is being led by the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO’s joint armed forces.
The main goal is to locate additional Patriot batteries for transfer to Ukraine, which urgently needs to strengthen its air defenses amid ongoing massive Russian attacks.
Patriots for Ukraine
On July 9, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Ukraine had requested Patriot systems from Washington.
On July 14, the US and NATO reached an agreement under which American weapons would be supplied to Ukraine, with the costs covered by European partners.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would receive additional Patriot air defense systems. A "multilayered" agreement between Ukraine and its partners will make this possible.
"We are doing everything to ensure Ukraine receives as many tools as possible to shoot down drones and missiles. We are finalizing a deal — a multilayered one — for new Patriot systems and missiles for them," the President said.
Earlier, media reports suggested Trump could send Ukraine an additional Patriot system.
In addition, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi recently stated that the country is negotiating not only to acquire Patriot systems, but also to secure a broad range of other air defense assets.
