U.S. backs Ukraine’s air defense efforts, denies blocking Patriot sales
The United States supports efforts to equip Ukraine with air
defense systems needed to repel Russia’s massive attacks, State Department
spokesperson Tammy Bruce said
during a briefing on June 10.
“We want them [Ukrainians] to have air defense capabilities,
absolutely. We want them to be able to defend themselves against incoming
missiles,” Bruce said.
She noted that discussions are underway for European
countries to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems. There are
also ongoing talks about purchasing ammunition, she added.
Bruce described the United States as “Ukraine’s biggest
supporter and defender.” She rejected claims that Washington is preventing
Ukraine from purchasing Patriot systems and declined to give details, saying
that the matter falls under the Defense Department’s responsibility.
“I categorically deny that we’re preventing Ukraine from
doing anything. On the contrary, it’s always been the opposite. Our goal is to
bring this war to an end, and we continue to stay focused on that,” Bruce said
when asked why the United States has not authorized the sale of Patriots to
Ukraine.
In April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said
Ukraine was ready to purchase 10 Patriot systems from the United States for $15
billion. Trump’s administration has repeatedly stated it would not provide
Ukraine with free aid.
On May 20, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee that Washington is working with NATO allies to supply
Ukraine with additional Patriot systems. According to Rubio, the United States
does not have extra Patriots available.
On May 26, The Washington Post reported that the United
States is willing to sell Ukraine additional Patriot systems rather than
provide them as aid. A Ukrainian official told the outlet that while Washington
would not block the transfer, “they won’t give them away for free.”
On June 7, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is still waiting for a
response from Washington to its purchase proposal.
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