NATO-sponsored air defence systems already en route to Ukraine

Air defence systems that are being financed by European nations as part of a joint initiative with the US and NATO are already on their way to Ukraine.

This has been announced by the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media. 

He shared the status of these weapons supply following talks with the Commander of the NATO Allied Forces in Europe, US Air Force General Alexis Grinkevich on July 25.

"We discussed the US–NATO plan under which Ukraine will receive European-funded air defence systems to defend our territory and protect civilian lives," Syrskyi revealed in a Telegram statement.

He thanked US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for their role in ensuring the timely delivery.

Trump had earlier announced the provision of 17 Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine following a period of uncertainty on whether he will continue supporting military support to Kyiv. He made sure to clarify, however, that they will be funded through NATO allies.

Meanwhile, members of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), also known as the "Ramstein group" in reference to the name of the US Air Force base in Germany, reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. The alliance consists of 57 countries, including all 32 NATO member states and 25 additional countries.

As the article recalls, Germany has pledged to provide Ukraine with two Patriot systems from their own arsenal which it will replace with a new order from the US, while Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed the Netherlands will also make a significant contribution toward transferring US-built systems to Ukraine.

By Nazrin Sadigova