Ukraine, US discuss new Patriot systems

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal on Friday said that he met with US Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv to discuss new Patriot systems and coordinated action after suspected Russian drone incursions into Poland.

Shmyhal said he briefed Kellogg on the results of the latest Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, noting “strong signals of support” from partners.

“We discussed the possibility of Ukraine’s Defense Forces receiving new Patriot systems and ammunition for them,” he said on X, adding that Ukraine also provided Kellogg’s delegation with battlefield data and information on “Russia’s provocation against Poland.”

“Such actions are a test of NATO’s response, so the allies’ answer must be coordinated and decisive,” Shmyhal stressed, while also urging stronger sanctions on Russia.

He expressed gratitude for Washington’s support and thanked Kellogg for “his personal efforts to bring closer a just and lasting peace.”

Poland earlier imposed air traffic restrictions along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine following multiple Russian drone incursions into its airspace, a move that came after Warsaw shot down suspected Russian drones with NATO support.