Romania to send Patriot air defense system to Ukraine

Romania's Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) at a meeting on Thursday decided to donate a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine.

That's according to Romania Insider, which cites the Romanian Presidency, Ukrinform reports.

"Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine, as a result of Russia's constant and massive attacks on civilians and civil infrastructure, especially on the energy sector, as well as the regional consequences of this situation, including on Romania's security, in close coordination with the Allies, Council members decided to donate a Patriot system to Ukraine," the Presidential Administration said in a press release.

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It added that the Patriot system had been sent to Kyiv on the condition that Romania continues its negotiations with the Allies, especially with the United States, with a view to obtaining a similar or equivalent air defense system.

At the same time, the CSAT stressed the need "to identify a temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability created" by this situation.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said in early June that his country's government was discussing the idea of providing Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system.