Romania decides to donate Patriot system to Ukraine, wants something in return

Romania will donate its Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine on condition that it receives a similar or equivalent system to protect its airspace, the country’s Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT) decided on Thursday.

This decision was taken in light of the “significant deterioration” of the security situation in Ukraine due to  “constant and massive attacks” by Russia on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in particular the energy sector, the press release of the presidential administration reads.

The Supreme Council’s decision comes after the Romanian Defence Ministry said it was not an “opportune” time to send a Patriot system to Ukraine due to concerns about Romania’s air defence.

To address the ministry’s concerns, the Supreme Council decided that the donation would be conditional on “the continuation of Romania’s negotiations with its allies, in particular with its strategic partner, the United States, to obtain a similar or equivalent system” to ensure the protection of Romanian airspace.

In addition, a “temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability thus created” must be identified, according to the Supreme Council.

However, the announcement does not specify when the system will be sent.

Romania has purchased seven Patriot missile defence systems and has received four, but only two are currently operational.

(Catalina Mihai | Euractiv.ro)

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