Washington approves maintenance of Patriot systems in Ukraine
The United States on Tuesday announced that it had approved, at Ukraine’s request, a $105 million sale for the maintenance of Patriot anti-aircraft batteries, which are critical to defending Ukraine’s skies from Russian missiles. These are spare parts and services related to the maintenance of the Patriot air defense system, in particular “improving the launcher (…)as well as other services, accessories and spare parts »according to a press release. The sale was approved by the Department of State and notified to the US Congress, as required by US law.
During a visit to the United States in October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had met with representatives of the American defense industry, including Patriot anti-aircraft system manufacturer Raytheon. A few days after this trip, he confirmed that his country had done so ” need “ of 25 additional American Patriot anti-aircraft systems to help it counter Russian attacks.
Since returning to power in January, President Donald Trump, who served as a mediator in the conflict, has been highly critical of American military and financial aid to Kyiv. The amount has reached $67 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Rather than direct American aid, he instead approved a program through NATO that allowed European countries to finance the transfer of American arms to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s president will travel to Türkiye on Wednesday to try it out “re-engaged” The United States in peace negotiations with Russia is currently deadlocked, as Moscow again attacks Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches.
