New announcements to be made on strengthening Ukraine's air defence – Ukraine's Foreign Minister

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has announced more commitments to strengthen Ukraine's air defence.

As reported by Interfax Ukraine, Kuleba noted that the work on strengthening Ukraine's air defence continues without interruption.

"You see the announcements already made, the latest from Romania, and there will be more announcements. The work on this issue does not stop. Ukraine will receive additional Patriot systems," Kuleba stated.

He said that it is "difficult for partners to part with the Patriot" because "everyone sees what ballistic strikes are like and imagines what if it hits them and there is nothing to shoot it down with".

"Although the situation with the Patriot is undoubtedly the most difficult in terms of military assistance (the most difficult I have encountered), the president is pushing this issue at state leader level. We, diplomats, counterparts on the military line and the Defence Ministry, are all working as well to prepare for these decisions. And they will come. Some have already been made, and there will be more," emphasised the foreign minister.

Speaking at a meeting of the foreign ministers of EU member states, Kuleba emphasised the need to accelerate the delivery of military aid to Ukraine, particularly in the area of air defence, and to expand defence industry production.

On 20 June, Romania officially decided to send a Patriot system to Ukraine, despite the Romanian Defence Ministry not approving such a step.

Meanwhile, the White House has confirmed that the United States will prioritise the delivery of anti-aircraft missiles for the Patriot and NASAMS systems to Ukraine over other countries that have placed similar orders.