Patriot missile systems expected to be deployed in Ukraine soon: Top Ukrainian diplomat

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US-based Patriot air defense systems are expected to be deployed in Ukraine soon, the Ukrainian foreign minister said on Wednesday.

In a briefing broadcast on the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s Facebook page, Dmytro Kuleba said that preparations for the transfer of the Patriot air defense systems have already begun.

On Dec. 21, US President Joe Biden announced a $1.85 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including a Patriot missile defense system. The announcement came during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

Days later, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Kyiv will receive a new $2.2 billion package in military assistance from Washington, adding that Ukraine expects the US Congress to approve another package of almost $45 billion, which include new HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems and the Patriot air defense systems.