**US and NATO Seek Additional Patriot Air Defense Systems for Ukraine**
The United States is working with its NATO partners to locate more Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 20. This move comes as Ukraine has consistently warned that its current air defense capacity is insufficient to counter the scale of Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks.
Ukraine has been requesting additional Patriots to shield cities and critical infrastructure from Russian strikes. In an interview with CBS News in April, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine was ready to buy 10 US-made Patriot systems for $15 billion. However, US President Donald Trump dismissed the request, accusing Zelensky of “always looking to purchase missiles” and falsely blaming Ukraine for provoking the war.
The Patriot is a high-precision surface-to-air missile platform capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Ukraine needs at least seven more systems to defend its most at-risk regions. Currently, Ukraine operates eight Patriot systems, but only six are functional, with two undergoing repairs.
**US and NATO Efforts**
The US is seeking to transfer additional Patriot systems from other NATO nations into Ukrainian hands. However, Rubio noted that no country is willing to give up these systems, and the US cannot produce them quickly enough. The New York Times reported on May 4 that a Patriot system currently based in Israel will be transferred to Ukraine following refurbishment. Western allies are also reportedly reviewing whether to reallocate systems from Germany or Greece.
This move comes as Moscow continues its large-scale drone and missile strikes, including the largest drone assault of the war on May 18, when 273 drones entered Ukrainian airspace. Despite a US-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire in March, Russia has continued its attacks.
**Ukraine’s Air Defense Needs**
The request for additional Patriots highlights Ukraine’s pressing need for more air defense capabilities to counter Russian aggression. The country’s current systems are insufficient to defend against the scale of Moscow’s missile and drone attacks. With the ongoing conflict showing no signs of easing, it remains to be seen whether the US and NATO will be able to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.
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