In an environment of escalating conflict, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has brought to light the stark reality of Ukraine’s defensive needs, particularly in the context of air defense. With Russian assaults persistently targeting critical infrastructure, Kuleba’s remarks offer a strategic vision that sees Poland’s Patriot missile systems as a shield for Western Ukraine, while also underlining the broader implications for NATO security.
Amid the intensifying missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, Kuleba underscored the tangible threat posed by Russian offensives, which have not spared the western oblasts, including Lviv. He stated, “Russia has increased the size and the scale of the attacks on Ukraine since last month,” emphasizing the imperative for more robust air defense measures. The severity of the situation was underscored when a Russian cruise missile veered into Polish airspace for 39 seconds during a nocturnal offensive, prompting Poland’s Operational Command to activate its defense systems. This incident has sparked a NATO-wide consideration of engaging missiles threatening the territory of the alliance, as revealed by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna on 26 March.
With NATO’s eastern flank feeling the heat, Kuleba suggests a course of action that not only safeguards Ukraine but also fortifies the alliance’s borders. He affirms, “Poland could help destroy Russian missiles headed to Ukraine’s western oblasts. This would protect NATO countries from ‘arrivals’ of Russian missiles or drones on their territories.” This proposal is not merely a call for assistance but a strategic maneuver that benefits the security of the alliance.
However, Ukraine’s quest for self-reliance in air defense remains constrained by the availability of systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that 26 systems would be required for a comprehensive air shield. Kuleba has narrowed this request to seven systems, targeting an expedited acquisition to address the most pressing needs. He made it clear that the transfer of such air defense systems ultimately hinges on U.S. decision-making, as he declared, “all Patriot batteries depend on the decision of the United States.”
“When we sit behind closed doors, I say directly to all our partners: my dear friends, do as you see fit — if you want to lease them [Patriots], lease them, and if you want them to protect your border, let it be so, but let us have [those launchers],” the minister said.
Despite identifying over 100 available Patriot systems among its allies, Ukraine is faced with hesitancy. The reluctance to transfer even a handful more Patriot systems has not dampened Kuleba’s resolve. He insisted on the necessity of at least five to seven additional systems to mitigate the relentless Russian air campaign. The foreign minister’s advocacy is underscored by his stark warning about the broader consequences of inaction: “When I say there will be war in Europe, and missiles will fall on Brussels and other European cities, I am not exaggerating. This will happen if Ukraine does not win the war against Russia.”
Relevant articles:
– Patriot systems in Poland could protect western Ukraine, says Ukrainian FM
– Foreign Minister: Poland capable of covering western regions of Ukraine with Patriot system, Euromaidan Press, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:26:15 GMT
– Allies reluctant to transfer even a handful more Patriot systems to Ukraine, FM Kuleba says, Yahoo Singapore News, Sat, 13 Apr 2024 06:56:15 GMT
– Allies reluctant to transfer even a handful more Patriot systems to Ukraine, FM Kuleba says, Yahoo News Canada, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 20:07:14 GMT