Romanian President names condition of supplying Ukraine with Patriot system

Klaus Iohannis, President of Romania, has stated that a possible supply of a Romanian Patriot system for Ukraine must be approved by the Supreme Council of the National Defence, but it must not lead to a weakening of Romania's air defence.

As reported by Digi24, Iohannis noted that he is not willing to discuss the issue of a possible supply of the Patriot system to Ukraine "in a public space" and would like it to be discussed with military experts and the Supreme Council of the National Defence of Romania, an advisory body under the head of the state.

Iohannis also stressed that the supply of a Patriot is a complicated process connected with a range of logistic and legal problems; "leave alone the fact that I’m under no circumstances ready to accept that Romania will be deprived of anti-missile and air defence".

Klaus Iohannis stated during his visit to the US in May that Romania might consider supplying Ukraine with one of its Patriot systems.

"Therefore, even if Romania finally makes some concessions, it must receive something in return. Otherwise, nothing will happen," the Romanian president added, indicating that "there is no time horizon" for this decision.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said that Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tîlvăr has serious reservations about the possibility of providing Ukraine with a Patriot air defence system.

Later, Ciolacu added that the hardships in the discussion about providing Ukraine with a Patriot system do not mean it’s impossible.