Other countries must wait: US diverts arms supplies to Ukraine

Other countries will have to wait
US diverts arms supplies to Ukraine

June 20, 2024, 8:30 PM

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In addition to artillery ammunition, Ukraine also lacks ammunition for the Patriot anti-aircraft system. Other countries have also placed missile orders with the US, but they may have to wait. Washington initially diverted deliveries to Kiev.

The US government wants to postpone the delivery of some military equipment to other countries to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses first. National Security Council communications director John Kirby said the U.S. government had made the “difficult but necessary” decision to postpone some planned arms sales to other countries, particularly missiles for the Patriot and Nassau air defense systems, given Kiev’s urgent needs.

Instead, these should initially go to Ukraine, whose armed forces urgently need additional air defense capabilities. Affected countries have been informed. Kirby did not say which states were involved. They all received what they ordered – just a little later than originally planned. Loud “New York Times” Israel and Taiwan were not affected by the delayed delivery.

Kirby said hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles were diverted to Ukraine in the operation. He received nothing more specific. Kiev should receive the first deliveries in the coming weeks. US President Joe Biden announced related plans a few days ago at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy.

Zelensky thanked the United States

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the US decision. He was “deeply grateful for Ukraine’s priority,” he wrote in X. “These additional anti-aircraft capabilities will protect Ukrainian cities and civilians.”

One of the countries that will have to do without their Patriot missiles for now is Switzerland. That’s what he says “blick” Citing several unnamed sources. According to reports, Germany’s neighbor signed a purchase agreement with the United States worth 300 million francs. This includes the provision of PAC-3 guided missiles for the Patriot system.

According to the report, the agreement states that the United States may deviate from agreed delivery terms if there are extraordinary or compelling reasons to do so and if US national security concerns are affected.