NATO agrees to provide air defense systems to Ukraine
Apr 20, 2024
Kyiv [Ukraine], April 20: Speaking online before the NATO-Ukraine Council on April 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the country needs at least 7 Patriot systems or other modern air defense systems to cope with Russian air strikes.
In emotion, he said that the level of foreign aid for Ukraine was "very limited", while Israel was not alone in defending itself against Iran's massive airstrike on April 13.
He said that whether Ukraine's skies will be safe again depends on the choices NATO members make, "the choice of whether we are truly allies."
According to Reuters, Russia has stepped up long-range bombing of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and cities in recent weeks, increasing pressure on Kyiv with larger and better-equipped forces gradually advancing. troops on the eastern battlefield.
Mr. Zelensky said that this year alone, Ukraine has been attacked by nearly 1,200 missiles, more than 1,500 drones and 8,500 guided bombs from Russia, amid a slowdown in Western military support.
"We're being blunt - for defense we need seven more Patriot systems or similar air defense systems, that's the minimum number. It could save many lives and really change the situation" , he stated.
After a meeting of defense ministers of member countries, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance agreed to provide additional air defense systems to Ukraine.
"In addition to Patriot , there are other weapons that members can supply, including SAMP/T (French system), and many others that do not have them available but have also committed financial support to purchase them. for Ukraine," he said.
In addition to the air defense system , President Zelensky said the Ukrainian army needs long-range missiles and artillery shells at this time.
US military aid has been delayed for months in Congress, but the House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill to spend tens of billions of dollars in military aid. "We are still waiting for new support packages from the US," according to Mr. Zelensky.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
