The NATO leader confirmed this effort during a virtual meeting of the alliance's defense ministers with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
NATO Allies To Give Ukraine Additional Air Defense Systems
During the Friday, Apr. 19 meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told NATO members that they needed at least seven Patriot or other advanced air defense systems.
He said that these defense technologies could help Ukraine counter Russian air strikes.
"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin must be brought down to earth, and our sky must become safe again. And it depends fully on your choice... (the) choice whether we are indeed allies," said Zelenskyy via Reuters.
Now, Stoltenberg confirmed that NATO allies were able to identify additional air defense systems for Ukraine. Among these systems are Patriot and SAMP/T.
"I expect announcements in the near future based on the information allies shared with us," said the NATO secretary general.
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Effort Could Put NATO Allies At Risk
According to BNN Bloomberg's latest report, Stoltenberg didn't provide how many systems NATO allies plan to provide Ukraine. Meanwhile, those who can't send additional air defense systems might provide financing assistance.
Other NATO allies could send spare parts for system maintenance as well. This effort is a big deal for Ukraine as the Russian invasion continues. However, sending air defense systems could put NATO members at risk.
Stoltenberg explained that this effort could risk NATO allies falling below the weapons and alliance guidelines. Despite this, he stressed that they have to take the risk as long as allies can replenish their supplies, and it's a decision agreed upon by all.
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