Romania’s top defense body on Thursday said the country will donate a Patriot missile system to neighboring Ukraine to boost Kyiv’s defense in its war with Russia.
The Supreme Council of National Defense, which is chaired by President Klaus Iohannis, said the decision was made after coordination with allies and is conditional on Romania receiving a similar or equivalent system. The U.S.-made air defense system to be sent to Ukraine is one of several Romania has in its arsenal.
“The decision was based on an in-depth technical evaluation of the Romanian authorities, all measures being taken to eliminate the risk of creating possible vulnerabilities for Romania,” the presidential office said.
The U.S. has donated a Patriot system to Ukraine, and approved sending another one earlier this month. Germany has also provided air defense systems. Some Eastern European nations have been reluctant to hand over their high-tech systems.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked Romania saying the donation was „very necessary” to bolster Ukraine’s airspace against Russian bombardments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said he was grateful Romania and personally, Mr.Iohannis. He has constantly urged Western allies to boost his country’s air defenses to counter ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s electricity network, which have led to blackouts in recent weeks.
“Romania’s position is and will continue to be unequivocal in its multidimensional support of Ukraine, alongside the international community, in its legitimate right to self-defense against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression,” a statement from Mr. Iohannis’ office said.
Romania has played an increasingly prominent role in the alliance throughout the war, including opening an international training hub in Constanta for F-16 jet pilots from allied countries and other partners, including Ukraine.
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