Biden preparing to send Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine

The Biden administration is preparing to send the long-sought Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, meeting one of the key requests of the government as it fends off constant Russian attacks. 

Ukrainian officials have been publicly and privately asking for the system as a way to protect infrastructure and the civilian population from relentless Russian drone and missile strikes. 

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Sunday, where according to the Ukrainian readout they spoke specifically about missile defense. Zelensky on the call thanked Biden for the ‘unprecedented support’ from the U.S. 

Officials said Tuesday the government was poised to provide the missile system, which could provide a new level of protection by putting highly-accurate long-range weaponry to use against missiles launched from within Russia or occupied territory or drones Russia is using to level facilities to try to force Ukraine into submission.

The Biden administration is preparing to provide Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine

The announcement comes after Zelensky appealed to G7 nations for more missiles, tanks, artillery, and air defenses. 

‘Unfortunately, Russia still has an advantage in artillery and missiles,’ Zelensky said.

CNN reported Tuesday that the administration was ‘finalizing’ plans to deliver the complex and heralded system, although it still needs approval from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.  

According to the White House, they discussed ‘$275 million in additional ammunition and equipment that included systems to counter the Russian use of unmanned aerial vehicles.’

The administration has identified multiple concerns related to sharing the system, which has been used to protect U.S. forces and reinforce key allies.

The batteries typically include radar and multiple launchers, and require substantial personnel to be operated.

The White House and NATO are taking pains to avoid placing large numbers of U.S. or NATO personnel inside Ukraine for fear or triggering escalation.

The Biden administration announced a new military aid package for Ukraine days ago

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to G7 nations for more missiles, tanks, artillery, and air defenses Monday

The system relies on multiple components besides the launcher, according to a graphic by Raytheon Company

To get around that problem, the Pentagon is preparing a training regimen at the U.S. Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany, officials told the network. That process usually takes months, but the Ukrainians are anxious to expedite any efforts amid attacks on water an power systems as temperatures dropped. 

The U.S. and NATO allies have already worked to provide Soviet-era air defense systems to Ukraine.

But there are finite amounts of systems and missiles. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Sunday appealed for long-range missiles and air defenses.