Ukraine has received a Patriot air defense system from Bucharest, as confirmed by Romanian Defense Ministry spokesperson Constantin Spinu for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on October 3rd. In his evening address the day before, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Romania for their donation, stating that it will greatly contribute to their efforts in combatting Russian aggression.
Initially hesitant, Bucharest made the decision to donate one of their Patriot systems in June, with the order for its delivery being issued last month. As Russia continues to intensify their strikes against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, Kyiv has been calling on their partners to provide additional air defense assets. The highly advanced Patriot systems have proven to be crucial in protecting the Ukrainian sky, with the capability to take down even the most advanced ballistic missiles, such as Kinzhals.
Ukraine has already received three Patriot systems from Germany and one from the United States. Other countries, including the Netherlands and Spain, have also provided individual launchers or missiles. In June, the US and the Netherlands pledged to deliver one additional system each, but no official announcement has been made regarding their arrival. The Netherlands is currently seeking partner countries to provide components for the Patriot system they have pledged to Ukraine, according to Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans in September.
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