At the NATO summit in Washington, marking the alliance’s 75th anniversary, US President Joe Biden announced a significant boost in air defense support for Ukraine. The package includes at least four Patriot systems and dozens of tactical air defense systems to be provided by the US and its NATO allies, including Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, and Italy.This commitment comes in response to recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a devastating strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv that reportedly killed at least 42 people. Biden emphasized that these systems will help protect Ukrainian cities, civilians, and military personnel.’Our message to Moscow and the world is clear: our support for Ukraine is strong and unwavering,’ Biden stated. He expressed confidence that Ukraine can and will stop Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, according to Biden, ‘wants to completely subjugate Ukraine, put an end to its democracy, destroy its culture, and erase it from the map’.The US President also announced that the country will redirect interceptors intended for other countries to Ukraine, providing hundreds of additional interceptors for air defense over the next year. This move underscores the prioritization of Ukraine’s defense needs within the alliance.During the summit, Biden awarded NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the US, for his leadership during critical years for European security. Stoltenberg warned the 32 NATO member states not to falter in their support for Ukraine, stating that ‘the greatest costs and risks would come if Russia wins in Ukraine’.As the summit continues until July 11, it remains focused on demonstrating NATO’s resolve against Russian aggression and its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Key points
- US and NATO allies to provide Ukraine with at least four Patriot systems and dozens of tactical air defense systems.
- Biden emphasizes unwavering support for Ukraine and confidence in its ability to stop Russian aggression.
- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom for his leadership.
