Romania to Send Patriot Air Defense System to Ukraine

Romania has announced its decision to provide Ukraine with the Patriot air defense system in response to the intensified Russian attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector.

This decision was taken today by Romania’s Supreme Council for National Defense during a meeting chaired by President Klaus Johannis and was subsequently published on the president’s official website.

“Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine due to constant and massive Russian attacks on the civilian population and civilian infrastructure, especially the energy sector, as well as the regional consequences of this situation, including for Romania’s security, in close coordination with allied members of the Council, it was decided to gift the Patriot system to Ukraine,” the statement said.

According to reports from the media, prior to the meeting of the National Defense Council, President of Romania Klaus Iohannis received a briefing from the Ministry of Defense stating that now is not an opportune time to send the Patriot system to Ukraine. Previously, Defense Minister Anghel Tîlvăr has repeatedly opposed such a decision, considering the Patriot system “indispensable for the defense of national territory.”

Earlier US officials confirmed that President Biden has approved the deployment of an additional Patriot missile battery to Ukraine. Additionally, the US decided to prioritize sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine over fulfilling a $340 million missile contract with Switzerland.