Washington trying to convince NATO partners to give their Patriot systems to Ukraine
The United States is eager to engage its NATO allies in talks about the potential transfer of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine but decried that no one has shown a willingness to share so far.
This plan has been revealed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on July 10, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media outlets.
“If Ukraine is truly the priority that so many European countries claim it is, then they should be ready to provide batteries that they currently don’t need for active use,” Rubio criticized. “We’re hoping to persuade some of our NATO allies to deliver those Patriot batteries to Ukraine, given that a number of countries have them but are unwilling to part with theirs.”
He further stressed the importance of delivering these systems to Ukraine and said Washington is “actively” discussing the issue with multiple countries. He noted that nations such as Germany and Spain, among others, are equipped with the US-made missile interceptor systems.
Just a day earlier, on July 9, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Ukraine had formally requested the systems from Washington. The president said the US would consider the request but stopped short of making any firm commitments.
As of 2025, Ukraine is in possession of six fully-operational Patriot batteries which it received from the US, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania, with an additional unit being on its way from Israel.
By Nazrin Sadigova