Pentagon to send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine as part of $1bn immediate aid package
- 27 April, 11:13
Pentagon will send much-anticipated Patriot air defence missiles and artillery ammunitation to Ukraine as part of the $6 billion security assistance package to Ukraine. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Friday that the supplies would be delivered to Ukraine “immediately” to support Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia’s aggression. However, Patriot systems for launching the missiles will not be sent, Lloyd Austin said.
The $6 billion security assistance package is part of a broader $60 billion military aid package recently offered by the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Joe Biden, which is the largest security assistance package to Ukraine to date. The package also includes $1 billion in immediate aid. The assistance will include air defense munitions, counter-drone systems, and artillery ammunition.
Secretary Austin stressed that Ukraine needs a range of defense systems and interceptors beyond just Patriot missiles. He expressed assurance that additional missile systems would be made accessible to Kyiv in the near future, with ongoing discussions with European partners aimed at enhancing capabilities further.
General Charles Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated that the assistance provided should ease the pressure on Ukrainian forces, eliminating the necessity for them to ration shells while on the frontlines.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the critical necessity of Patriot systems to counter Russia's escalating air assaults, emphasizing that such systems could immediately save lives. Over the weekend, Ukraine reported a significant Russian air strike, with authorities in Kharkiv noting damage to a hospital, while Energy Minister German Galushchenko reported targeting of energy facilities in three regions.
According to Ukrainian reports, Russia launched a missile attack utilizing cruise missiles, S-300 surface-to-air missiles, and Iskander ballistic missiles. Ukraine claimed to have successfully intercepted 21 missiles using aircraft, air defense systems, and jamming techniques. Additionally, Ukraine asserted striking two Russian oil refineries near the border. Footage from one refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region depicted a large explosion, although local authorities denied substantial damage.
Russian authorities, on the other hand, stated on Saturday that they had downed approximately 68 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.
