As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, the nation’s call for additional military support has become more urgent. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is pressing for a prompt delivery of Patriot surface-to-air missiles to defend against ongoing Russian missile assaults.
What Happened: Kuleba is calling for an urgent supply of Patriot surface-to-air missiles to protect the nation from Russian missile attacks, Politico reported on Monday.
The plea for advanced air defenses comes as Kyiv experienced a missile strike just an hour before Kuleba’s interview with Politico. Although the missiles were intercepted, the attack resulted in injuries, including a teenage girl.
"Give us the damn Patriots," he demanded
"If we had enough air defense systems, namely Patriots, we would be able to protect not only the lives of our people, but also our economy from destruction.”
Kuleba’s demand highlights the critical juncture in Ukraine’s struggle against Russian forces. With Western support waning and a significant U.S. aid package stalled by partisan politics, Ukraine’s defense needs are becoming increasingly dire.
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According to Kuleba, the lack of sufficient weaponry is leading to Ukrainian retreats on the battlefield. He criticizes the allies for painting a bleak picture of Ukraine’s situation while simultaneously holding back on providing “game-changing” weapons.
The urgency for more robust air defenses is underscored by Russia’s use of upgraded aerial-guided bombs, putting Ukrainian troops at a significant disadvantage. Kuleba emphasizes that the reality on the ground is a direct result of the insufficient arms supplied to Ukrainian soldiers.
Why It Matters: The call for more Patriot missiles is part of a broader narrative of Ukraine’s urgent need for military aid. In March, it was reported that the White House plans to deliver a $300 million weapons package to Ukraine, drawing from U.S. stockpiles to bolster Ukrainian defenses with anti-aircraft missiles, ammunition, and other military equipment.
However, further funding has been obstructed in Congress, leading to a shortage of critical supplies. This has been compounded by the fact that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has had to reassure European allies of America’s support for Ukraine at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, despite the challenges in securing additional funds for arming Kyiv.
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