Ukraine Gets Major Patriot Missile System Boost
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Netherlands will "substantially contribute" towards Patriot air defense system deliveries to Ukraine as Germany pledges to provide five of the vaunted systems to Kyiv.
The details of the Patriot deliveries "will be worked out soon," Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a statement posted to social media.
Why It Matters
Moscow has stepped up its aerial bombardment in recent weeks—including sending a record 700 drones into Ukraine on a single night earlier this month—despite an increasingly frustrated U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to broker a ceasefire deal.
Ukraine's ability to defend key targets and cities hinges on supplies of air defense systems such as the U.S.-made Patriot.
Raytheon's Patriot—the ground-based system considered the gold-standard of air defense against Russia's most advanced weapons—has consistently featured at the top of Ukraine's wish list of military aid from its backers since Russia invaded the country in 2022.
What To Know
The Dutch announcement came as Ukraine's major military supporters met virtually on Monday for a summit chaired by Germany and the U.K.
As well as the contribution to the Patriots, Brekelmans said the Netherlands would also provide more missiles for Ukraine's small operational fleet of F-16 fighter jets, more radars and counter-drone technology. The Netherlands was one of four countries that pledged to deliver fourth-generation Western jets to Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stands in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system during his visit to a military training area on June 11, 2024 in Mecklenburg, Germany.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stands in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system during his visit to a military training area on June 11, 2024 in Mecklenburg, Germany.
Jens Büttner - Pool/Getty Images
The British government said it would contribute nearly $950 million in air defense and artillery supplies to Ukraine in 2025.
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin had agreed with Washington to deliver five Patriot systems to Ukraine. "How we can achieve that is something we will coordinate closely and in a spirit of mutual trust among partners within the next few days," Pistorius said.
Pistorius said he had reached the agreement with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a visit to the U.S. earlier this month.
Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Oslo was "prepared to share the bill" and "make a significant contribution" towards providing Patriots for Ukraine.
Ukraine's systems are shrouded in secrecy, but the country is believed to have between six and seven operational Patriot batteries. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 10 that Germany would fund the purchase of two Patriot systems, while Norway would finance a third.
In a marked pivot away from Trump's disdain for Kyiv, Trump earlier this month said the U.S. would send "billions of dollars' worth" of military equipment to NATO members, paid for by the alliance, to be handed over to Ukrainian forces battling grinding Russian advances.
Trump said an unnamed nation could provide all or at least the better part of "17 Patriots," although it was unclear to which parts he was referring, as they have many components, from launchers to radars and interceptors.
Merz said agreements to replace donated German Patriots had not yet been finalized with the U.S.
Ahead of the meeting on Monday, Ukraine reported a "massive" wave of Russian drone and missile strikes focusing on the area around the capital, the western Ivano-Frankivsk and northeastern Kharkiv regions.
Russia fired 426 drones and 19 cruise missiles at the war-torn country into the early hours of Monday, as well as five of its hard-to-intercept Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles, according to Kyiv's air force. Two people were killed and another 15 injured, including a 12-year-old boy, Zelensky said on Monday.
What People Are Saying
Dutch defense minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a statement on Monday: "Ukraine protects the front line against Russian aggression for all of Europe. If Russia is able to break through, it immediately poses a greater threat to the rest of Europe and NATO."
What Happens Next
A third round of ceasefire talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials is due to kick off in Istanbul on Wednesday. Previous talks yielded little advance toward a ceasefire, but did secure other agreements, such as significant prisoners-of-war exchanges.
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