The request of Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been insisting on the procurement of air defense systems for months, was at the center of the NATO-Ukraine council today, 19 April. On the sidelines, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that «NATO has mapped the capabilities of the allies – deducing that – there are systems that can be given to Ukraine. I expect new announcements soon.” Then he underlined that «in addition to the Patriot, there are other systems that can be supplied, such as the Samp-T». The latter is news that involves our country, as the Samp-Ts are Italian-French made. «I welcome – added Stoltenberg – Germany’s efforts, including the recent decision to supply an additional Patriot system to Ukraine. And many other countries, which do not have available systems, have pledged to provide financial support to enable Ukraine to purchase them. We are also working with industry to increase production and refurbish systems to make them operational and fit for purpose.”
New 155mm ammunition coming soon
The NATO secretary general also reiterated that, in today’s meeting, other supplies that go beyond air defense systems were also discussed. «Each NATO ally will decide what to supply. Several allies made concrete commitments at the meeting and are finalizing contributions which I expect will be announced soon. Help is already on the way.” There was talk, for example, of 155 mm ammunition and tools for precision attacks. During his speech at the NATO-Ukraine Council, President Zelensky said: «We need at least seven more Patriot or similar air defense systems, and that is a minimum number».
Zelensky: «You have to decide if we are really allies»
Speaking via videoconference, the Ukrainian leader focused on the need to make “our sky safe again, and this depends entirely on your choice”, referring to the defense ministers of the member countries of the Atlantic Alliance. «You have to choose whether life really has the same value everywhere. Choose whether you have the same attitude towards all partners. Choose whether we are truly allies.” And he concluded by stating that the ground capabilities of Kiev’s army, lacking ammunition and men, are “limited” and will remain so as long as Russia maintains its advantage in the skies. “It is obvious that now, while Russia has an air advantage and can rely on the terror brought by drones and rockets, our capabilities on the ground are unfortunately limited.”
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Tags: Ukraine Stoltenberg promises NATO air defense systems Zelensky Give Patriots
