Biden preparing to send Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine

The Biden administration is preparing to send the long-sought Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, fulfilling one of the government’s key requests while fending off continued Russian attacks.

Ukrainian officials have publicly and privately called for the system as a way to protect infrastructure and civilians from incessant Russian missile and drone attacks.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, where, according to the Ukrainian reading, they spoke specifically about missile defense. Zelensky on the call thanked Biden for the ‘unprecedented support’ from the US.

Officials said Tuesday that the government was ready to provide the missile system.

The Biden administration is preparing to provide Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine

The announcement comes after Zelensky called on G7 nations for more missiles, tanks, artillery and air defenses.

“Unfortunately, Russia still has an advantage in artillery and missiles,” Zelensky said.

CNN reported on Tuesday that the administration was “finalizing” plans to deliver the complex and announced system, though it still needs approval from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

According to the White House, they discussed “$275 million worth of additional munitions and equipment including systems to counter Russia’s use of UAVs.”

The administration has identified multiple concerns related to sharing the system, which has been used to protect US forces and bolster key allies.

Batteries typically include radar and multiple launchers, and require considerable manpower to operate.

The White House and NATO are taking pains to avoid placing large numbers of US or NATO personnel inside Ukraine out of fear or triggering an escalation.

The Biden administration announced days ago a new military aid package for Ukraine

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the G7 nations for more missiles, tanks, artillery and air defense on Monday.

To get around that problem, the Pentagon is preparing a training regimen at the US Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany, officials told the network. That process usually takes months, but the Ukrainians are eager to speed up any effort amid attacks on water and power systems as temperatures drop.

US and NATO allies have already worked to provide Soviet-era air defense systems to Ukraine.

But there are finite amounts of systems and missiles. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Sunday called for long-range missiles and air defenses.