NATO commits to arming Ukraine with dozens more air defence systems
Package includes at least 4 Patriot systems Kyiv seeks to fend off Russian attacks
The United States and an array of other NATO allies will send Ukraine dozens of air defence systems in the coming months, including at least four of the powerful Patriot systems that Kyiv has been desperately seeking to help fight off Russian advances in the war, according to a new joint agreement.
U.S. President Joe Biden announced the broader commitment when he spoke Tuesday at the opening of the North Atlantic Treaty Organizationsummit in Washington.
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants nothing less than to "wipe Ukraine off the map," Biden said. "And we know Putin won't stop in Ukraine. But make no mistake, Ukraine can and will stop Putin."
According to the statement, the U.S., Germany and Romania will send Ukraine additional Patriot batteries, while the Netherlands and others will provide Patriot components to make up one more battery. Italy will provide a SAMP-T air defence system.
Other allies, including Canada, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom, will provide a number of other systems that will help Ukraine expand its coverage. Those systems include NASAMS, HAWKs, IRIS T-SLM, IRIS T-SLS and Gepards. Other nations have agreed to provide munitions for those systems.
Biden, 81, has endured 12 days of withering questions abouthis fitness for office as some of his fellow Democrats on
Capitol Hill and campaign donors fear that he will lose the Nov.5 election after a halting debate performance last month.
On Tuesday, Biden spoke off of a teleprompter with astrong and confident voice and largely avoided the verbal flubs and signs of confusion that marked his debate performance.
"Today, NATO is stronger than it's ever been in itshistory," he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a social media post on Tuesday, made it clear that air defence is still his country's key request.
Zelenskyyhas stated Ukraine urgently needs seven more Patriot batteries to fend off Russian strikes against the power grid, the military and civilian areas using destructive glide bombs.
The Patriot systems, he said, would help prevent Russian aircraft from flying close enough to drop the glide bombs on civilians and critical infrastructure. He said Russia had been firing 3,000 bombs into his country each month.
The commitment for new air defence systems comes as Russia continues its relentless bombardment of Ukraine, including a massive barrage that struck a children's hospital in Kyiv on Monday and killed at least 42 people.
World can't wait for U.S. election:Zelenskyy
Speakingon Tuesday in Washington after Biden's speech, Zelenskyy urged that the world must not wait for the November U.S. presidential election in the United States to take action to repel Russia's offensive against his country.
"It's time to step out of the shadows to make strong decisions to act and not wait for November or any other months to descend. We must be strong and uncompromising all together," Zelenskyy said.
The U.S.has already sent Ukraine two Patriot missile systems one late last year and, according to U.S. officials, another last month. And Romania's top defence body said late last month that the country would donate a Patriot missile system to neighbouring Ukraine.
A number of European allies have been reluctant to part with their air defence systems, as they worry about possible threats from Russia as well.
U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin set up a coalition two years ago of more than 50 countries to help gather and co-ordinate contributions of weapons and training to Ukraine.
Biden closed his remarks by surprising NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, clasping thehighest U.S. civilian award around the Norwegian politician'sneck and crediting him with reviving the 32-member alliance.
With files from Reuters
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