(MENAFN) In a significant move highlighting European support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia, Spain has confirmed its intention to provide Patriot missiles to the Eastern European nation. Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced the decision during a virtual meeting of the Ramstein Group, a coalition of Ukraine's Western allies. The move comes amidst mounting pressure from both the European Union (EU) and NATO for member states to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.
While specifics regarding the number of Patriot missiles to be supplied were not disclosed, a statement from the Spanish Defense Ministry indicated that the munitions for the United States-made missile system would be dispatched to Ukraine within the next four days.
However, there was no mention of the delivery of actual Patriot batteries, which comprise a sophisticated array of radar systems, engagement control stations, and missile launchers.
Reports from Spanish newspaper El Pais suggest that Madrid's decision to provide Patriot missiles to Ukraine stems from significant pressure exerted by European Union and NATO allies.
Spain, which operates only three Patriot batteries, reportedly maintains a reserve of approximately 50 missiles for these systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the Ramstein Group, emphasized the urgent need for additional Patriot batteries to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian missile attacks. The request aligns with recent statements from Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, who claimed that Moscow had destroyed at least five Ukrainian-operated Patriot systems since the beginning of the year.
Spain's commitment to supplying Patriot missiles adds to the growing support from other European nations with Patriot systems, including Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Greece. While Germany has pledged to donate an additional Patriot system to Ukraine, Poland and Greece have indicated constraints in providing spare air defense systems.
The decision by Spain underscores the complexities of balancing geopolitical dynamics and the imperative of supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and security. As tensions persist in the region, the provision of advanced military equipment like Patriot missiles serves as a tangible demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine and a signal of resolve against Russian aggression.
However, it also underscores the broader challenges facing European nations in navigating the delicate balance between deterring aggression and avoiding further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
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