Developments in the battleground in Ukraine prompted Washington to change its decision on delivering Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to Kiev, reports said on Wednesday.
US media reported, citing American officials, that the Pentagon is currently finalizing the plans to deliver what it would be the most advanced air defense weapon in Kyiv’s hands.
The decision to provide Kiev authorities with the advanced long-range air defense system they have long sought still requires approval from the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, before it gets a final sign-off from President Joe Biden.
After the formalities are completed, the Patriots are to be shipped to their destination within days, added the report, with Ukrainians trained to use the missile batteries at the US Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany, the CNN reported on Wednesday.
Thus, to properly operate Patriot missile batteries much larger crews are required, with dozens of adequately trained personnel. This training, specifically for Patriot missile batteries, may require multiple months, it was specified in the report.
Neither the Pentagon, nor the US State Department have offered any official comment on the report.
Washington Reversed Course
The Kiev regime has been clamoring for Patriot batteries for months, however, delivery and operating what has been the mainstay of US military operations is reportedly fraught with “logistical challenges.”
In late November, US Defense Department spokesperson Pat Ryder said that the United States did not have any plans to provide Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, despite air defense continuing to be “a top priority for the Defense Department and for the international community when it comes to supporting Ukraine.”
A senior Biden administration official told The Washington Post that the White House National Security Council recommended reversing course in recent weeks, “given intensifying attacks on Ukraine and Russia’s defense partnership with Iran.”
Ukrainian Drones Wiped out by Russia
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that crew of a Tor-M2U surface-to-air missile system of the Western Military District wiped out Ukrainian reconnaissance drones during the special military operation in Ukraine.
“During its combat operations, the crew of a Tor-M2U air defense system belonging to the Western Military District obliterated the Ukrainian army’s reconnaissance UAVs. Once in position, the crew employed a panoramic view radar station to spot the enemy’s approaching drones. After the targets were locked on, the missile launches were carried out,” the ministry said in a commentary.
All the aerial targets were destroyed, it stressed, releasing a video showing the development.
Tor anti-aircraft missile systems are tasked with covering units on the march within military columns and during combat operations in line formations, it said.
Donors Pledge Millions to Ukraine
Earlier on Tuesday, dozens of countries and international organizations threw their weight and millions of dollars in aid pledges to Kiev.
An international donor conference in Paris quickly racked up substantial promises of financial and in-kind support.
Several states and international organizations pledged at least $67 million for food and water in Ukraine, $18 million for the health sector and $23 million for transportation.
Source: Agencies
