The US does not yet plan to hand over the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, as it requires lengthy preparation, but air defense remains a priority for Washington. Pentagon representative Brigadier General Pat Ryder stated this at a briefing.
"Air defense remains a top priority for the US Department of Defense and the international community when it comes to supporting Ukraine. As for Patriot batteries from the USA, we do not currently plan to supply Patriot batteries to Ukraine," the official said.
During the briefing, Ryder was asked if the US would play any role if a US ally decided to send its Patriot system to Kyiv.
"I don't want to speak on behalf of other countries, but this is a sovereign decision of the states. Since this also applies to NATO countries, I assume that this will also be part of the alliance discussion. Again, we will continue to work closely with the international community to determine what Ukraine's defense needs are and meet them."
The general said that when it comes to air defense, tanks or modern fighters, significant technological maintenance and support, as well as long training, are required.
“When it comes to certain capabilities, like the Patriot system, or the M1 tanks, or advanced fighters, those are capabilities that require quite significant support, maintenance and training. None of these systems operate on a plug-and-play basis. You can't just appear on the battlefield and start using them. We take such details into account when it comes to more advanced systems," Ryder emphasized.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is discussing the possibility of providing Ukraine with Patriot systems
