Katerina Chernovol23:31, 04/17/24
The Netherlands recently announced the transfer of several Patriots to Ukraine, although Rutte did not specify exactly how many.
The European Union could buy Patriot systems from countries that do not want to transfer them to Ukraine. This statement was made by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and the leading candidate for the post of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
“We know that many countries are sitting on a large pile of Patriot systems, perhaps not wanting to provide them directly. We can buy them from them, we can deliver them to Ukraine, we have the money. This is extremely important,” The Guardian quotes him as saying .
It is noted that two days ago the Netherlands promised to provide Ukraine with 4 billion euros in military assistance over the next two years. The country also announced the transfer of several Patriots, although Rutte did not specify exactly how many.
Ukraine’s need for Patriot systems
Against the background of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, in particular, attacks on energy infrastructure and attacks with guided bombs, the state is actively looking for additional air defense systems. In particular, work is underway to search for Patriot complexes. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba noted that Ukraine is even ready to borrow Patriot from other countries.
It recently became known that Germany will “immediately” transfer another Patriot system to Ukraine . The country will also transfer missiles for air defense systems, so other batteries that our state has will also be equipped.
(C)UNIAN 2024
According to Wikipedia, the US have 1160 launchers, of which 480 are in service. Why not simply buy some of these? Or is this the country which doesn’t want to sell directly to Ukraine, as Rutte stated? 😳
It didn’t say sell, article said provide.
What’s the difference, Sir Bill? Do you expect countries to lease Patriot systems to Ukraine? 🤔
The article suggests that possibility also. Sir Gray
Well, it says that Kuleba would go that far, not that this is a realistic option. Afaik, only the US ever did that, in the lend lease act. And you can’t give back missiles that have been used, only the launchers. Ok, every possible option has to be tried, but this really looks farfetched to me. The risk to the batteries is significant, after all. 🤔
Yeah would be kinda hard to give back missiles once they were used. Pretty sure we’re talking launchers in that part.
You were suggesting that the U.S. was a country that was unwilling to sell them, I was pointing out in the article it didn’t say sell. It mentioned providing, meaning a country that didn’t want to have their name attached to direct provision.
Why should the US want to stay anonymous? I’ve been quite critical of the Biden government, but I don’t see any reaaon why they should insist on that. In my reading, Rutte is hinting at Middle Eastern or Asian countries instead. 🤔
Exactly Sir Gray I was trying to illustrate for you that the article was not talking about the U.S. I’m not happy with Biden either, in fact I have a tremendous distaste for the two main parties.