Despite appeals from Ukraine for additional Patriot missile batteries or similar defense systems to bolster its air defenses against Russian attacks, Greece has rejected pressure from European allies, citing its own need for the systems. President Zelensky has requested at least seven more Patriots to protect Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, but Greece has stated it cannot spare any Patriots or S-300 systems.
Reports suggest that Spain will supply some Patriot missiles but not a full system. Pressure from NATO and EU allies has mounted on Greece and Spain to assist Ukraine, especially following recent Russian attacks on vulnerable cities and critical facilities.
Ukraine currently has a limited number of Patriots, along with other Western missile defense systems and Soviet-era surface-to-air missiles. Patriots are considered the most capable and expensive air defense systems available to Ukraine.
President Zelensky highlighted the urgent need for better defense systems, emphasizing the necessity of shooting down Russian planes to save lives. While Germany has pledged an additional Patriot, the US announced a $6 billion weapons program, including missile intercepts for Patriot and Nasam systems.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borell have criticized the delay in promised support from Ukraine's allies. Greece and Spain possess stocks of Patriots, but both countries have cited reasons for not providing them to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of their air defense systems for national security.
The challenge for Ukraine's military commanders lies in determining the placement of missile systems, whether near vulnerable cities or the front line facing Russia's advances. Recent Russian airstrikes targeting Ukraine's railway system have underscored the urgency of enhancing missile defenses to protect critical infrastructure and mitigate growing aerial threats.
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