US to reprioritize delivery of air defense to Ukraine, first shipments expected in summer - Kirby
Photo: John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the US National Security Council (Getty Images)
The United States of America (USA) has decided to reprioritize the nearest sales of Patriot and NASAM missiles to other countries in favor of Ukraine, according to John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the US National Security Council.
What happened before
As the Financial Times reported, Washington may suspend open orders from other countries for Patriot air defense systems, as well as missiles for them, to transfer them to Ukraine.
Currently, the list of European countries that have ordered Patriot systems includes:
- Poland;
- Romania
- Germany;
- Spain.
In January, the NATO coalition placed an order for 1,000 missiles for the above-mentioned anti-aircraft missile systems.
The United States is changing its priority
According to journalist Kellie Meyer, who quoted Kirby in her X, Kirby announced a "difficult but necessary decision" to redirect planned deliveries of foreign military goods to Ukraine in the near future.
Politico's Lara Seligman adds that the National Security Council's strategic communications coordinator was talking about Patriot and NASAM missiles. Moreover, the first deliveries are expected to begin this summer.
Strengthening Ukraine's air defense
In recent months, the Russian Federation has intensified massive shelling against Ukraine. Energy infrastructure facilities have been repeatedly targeted, which has led to the reintroduction of power outage schedules.
In particular, the enemy also intensified shelling of frontline settlements. In this regard, the issue of strengthening Ukraine's air defense has become even more acute.
As recently noted by Joe Biden, five of Ukraine's allies have declared their readiness to provide Kyiv with Patriot air defense systems.
