US To Provide Ukraine With Patriot Advance Air Defense System
NDTV
The system is part of $1.85 billion in assistance unveiled in parallel with a visit to Washington by Volodymyr Zelensky, his first trip outside the country since Russia invaded in February.
The United States said Wednesday it will provide Ukraine with the advanced Patriot air defense system to help counter Moscow's relentless aerial attacks.
The system is part of $1.85 billion in assistance unveiled in parallel with a visit to Washington by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, his first trip outside the country since Russia invaded in February.
The announcement is a significant victory for Kyiv, which had repeatedly pushed Washington for the Patriot system, and a strong sign of US support for Ukraine that will help boost the country's defenses.
"Today's assistance for the first time includes the Patriot Air Defense System, capable of bringing down cruise missiles, short range ballistic missiles, and aircraft at a significantly higher ceiling than previously provided air defense systems," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.