Romania delivers Patriot system to Ukraine
Illustrative photo: Ukraine received a Patriot from Romania (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Romania has delivered the promised Patriot system to Ukraine as part of military assistance, stated the spokesperson of Romania's Ministry of Defense, Constantin Spînu, in a comment to Radio Free Europe.
"We confirm that the Patriot system has arrived in Ukraine," Spînu stated.
Yesterday, on October 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude on his X to all the countries supporting Ukraine's air defense.
"A special thanks to Romania for the Patriot systems. Together, we can achieve even greater efficiency — we can put an end to Russian terror by jointly taking down Shaheds and missiles," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Background
Romania announced its intention to transfer the Patriot system to Ukraine on June 20.
The delivery was delayed as it required approval from both chambers of Romania’s Parliament and the government. This process was completed only on September 3.
On September 5, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis finally approved the bill transferring the Patriot system to Ukraine.
Patriot systems are among Ukraine’s key needs, as Ukrainian defenders still face a shortage of air defense to intercept ballistic missiles across the country.
Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Iran has provided Russia with short-range ballistic missiles, which could be used for strikes near the frontline.
