Romania to donate Patriot battery to Ukraine amid growing Russian air attacks

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Romania will donate a battery of US-made Patriot long-range air defense system to Ukraine, the Romanian president’s office confirmed Thursday.

Romania stressed that it supported Ukraine from the outbreak of the war in February 2022 and understands the crucial role of the air-defense systems in countering Russian aerial attacks.

“Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine, as a result of Russia's constant and massive attacks on civilians and civil infrastructure, especially on the energy sector, as well as the regional consequences of this situation, including on Romania's security, in close coordination with the Allies, (Romanian Supreme Defense) Council decided to donate a PATRIOT system to Ukraine,” a statement by the president’s office said.

However, it stressed that the donation was made on the condition that Romania would continue negotiations with allies, especially with the US, for a similar or equivalent system that can protect its airspace, modernize the Romanian military, and ensure interoperability with other NATO systems.

The statement also reiterated that Romania will continue to provide Ukraine with multidimensional support.