Romania approves transfer of Patriot system to Ukraine, parliamentary vote awaits
MIM-104 Patriot (Getty Images)
On Monday, September 2, the Romanian coalition government approved a draft law that allows one of the two operational Patriot missile defense systems to be transferred to Ukraine, citing Reuters.
The draft law has been sent to parliament for a final vote. The publication notes that this step is part of Romania's obligations as a NATO member to support Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression.
This decision is part of the delivery of five such systems and other strategic air defense units that NATO countries have promised to Kyiv.
"After parliament approves the law, the government will be able to issue the decision that makes the donation operational," said Romanian government spokesman Mihai Constantin.
The draft law states that Romania will send proposals and approvals to the US to replace the system being provided to Ukraine with another one. The country expects to pay approximately $60 million in taxes and fees.
Backstory
In 2017, Romania signed an agreement with the US to purchase seven Patriot systems. Deliveries to the country began in 2020. Currently, Romania has four such systems, two of which are in operation.
As early as June 2024, the Romanian government agreed to transfer a Patriot system to Ukraine on the condition that NATO allies would replace it with an equivalent system.
On August 30, the Romanian Ministry of Defense sent the relevant draft law to parliament regarding the transfer of the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
At the same time, Romania has felt the necessity to continue helping Ukraine strengthen its air defense system amid the full-scale Russian aggression. Fragments of Russian drones have repeatedly landed on its territory, and air raid alerts have been issued in Romanian border regions. For instance, during Russia's night attack on Ukraine on August 23, Romanian authorities warned residents of the city of Tulcea about the possible fall of debris from Russian drones.
Also, before the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu stated the need to continue supporting Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against Russia.
