Ukraine To Bolster Air Defences With New Patriot Systems Amid Escalating Russian Attacks.
Ukraine is set to strengthen its air defence capabilities with the addition of a refurbished Patriot air-defence system previously based in Israel, sources have confirmed. Western allies are also in talks to potentially supply another system from either Germany or Greece, as Russia intensifies its assaults on Ukrainian territory.
Four current and former U.S. officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, revealed that the Patriot system from Israel will be sent to Ukraine following its refurbishment. The decision comes as Ukraine faces heightened Russian aggression, including a devastating missile strike on Kyiv on 24 April, which marked the deadliest attack on the capital since last summer.
The White House’s National Security Council declined to comment on the specifics of defence system deployments. James Hewitt, a spokesman for the council, reiterated U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance: “President Trump has been clear: he wants the war in Ukraine to end and the killing to stop.”
A former White House official disclosed that the agreement to transfer the Patriot system from Israel was secured by the Biden administration in September, prior to Trump’s election victory. The U.S. Defense Department confirmed it continues to supply Ukraine with equipment from previously authorised packages, including both existing stockpiles and new acquisitions.
Ukraine’s air defence needs have been a pressing concern for President Volodymyr Zelensky, who last year called for seven Patriot systems to protect the country. Currently, Ukraine operates eight systems, though only six are fully functional, with two undergoing refurbishment. The addition of the Israeli system and a potential contribution from Germany or Greece would bring Ukraine’s total to 10 Patriot systems, primarily aimed at safeguarding Kyiv.
The urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s defences has been underscored by recent Russian attacks, which have caused significant destruction. Last Saturday, a Russian ballistic missile struck a two-story apartment building in Kyiv, leaving a trail of rubble and loss. Images from the scene showed rescue workers navigating the debris alongside grieving residents.
Amid these developments, President Trump’s rhetoric on the Ukraine conflict has noticeably softened. Following a cordial meeting with President Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome last weekend—contrasting sharply with a tense encounter in February—Trump has scaled back his criticism of Zelensky and expressed scepticism about Russia’s commitment to peace negotiations.
Further strengthening ties, a long-delayed minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine was signed on Wednesday, paving the way for increased American military support. Speaking to reporters in Kyiv on Saturday, Zelensky suggested the agreement could lead to the delivery of additional air-defence systems.
As Ukraine braces for continued Russian aggression, the arrival of new Patriot systems offers a glimmer of hope in protecting its cities and citizens from further devastation.
