U.S. Prioritizes Patriot Missiles, F-16s to Ukraine for 16 Months Amid Russian Attacks

Jun 20, 2024, 02:21 PM

The Biden administration has announced a significant shift in its defense strategy, prioritizing the delivery of Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine over other allied countries. This decision comes amid ongoing Russian aerial bombardments targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. The White House confirmed that Ukraine is authorized to use American weapons to counterstrike Russian forces across the border, specifically in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. Additionally, F-16 fighter jets provided by the U.S. will be stationed in Ukraine to bolster its defense capabilities. This policy change, which will last for 16 months, aims to ensure Ukraine's survival by redirecting all newly produced Patriot missiles and interceptors to Ukraine. Romania has also committed to sending a Patriot system to Ukraine, contingent on receiving a replacement. The U.S. and its partners currently produce about 790 interceptors annually, with plans to increase production. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the importance of air defense in protecting Ukrainian cities and civilians. John Kirby noted that the U.S. had secured commitments from five countries to supply Patriot batteries and other air defense systems to Kyiv. Zelensky also called for solar panels to be installed in schools and hospitals to mitigate the impact of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.