The delivery of the air defense system by Berlin follows a recent increase in Russian airstrikes on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims it has captured a village near Avdiivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
The German government said Saturday it would send an additional Patriot missile system to help Ukraine’s military fend off increased Russian airstrikes.
Kyiv relies heavily on Western Patriot systems as it does not have sophisticated air defenses of its own.
Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky has warned the conditions on the eastern front had “deteriorated significantly” in recent days as Russian forces stepped up their attacks.
Meanwhile, Russia said it had captured a village near the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka.
Zelenskyy thanks Germany for new Patriot missile system
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked his German counterpart Olaf Scholz for committing to supply another Patriot air defense system and missiles.
“I am grateful to the chancellor for the decision to supply another additional Patriot system to Ukraine and missiles to the existing air defense systems. Thanks, Olaf, for your leadership!” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
The Ukrainian leader described the move as “a real manifestation of support for Ukraine at a critical time for us.”
He called on other allies to follow Germany’s example.
Ukraine says it needs additional air defense systems from the West to ward off an increase in Russia’s missile and drone strikes in recent weeks.
Later Saturday, a spokesperson for Scholz said that the pair had spoken by phone on further efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
Courtesy of DW
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