The US Department of Defense does not yet plan to begin deliveries of Patriot systems to protect Ukrainian skies from Russian missile attacks.

This was stated by Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder, the

Voice of America

reports .

He noted that air defense of Ukraine remains a priority of the US Defense Ministry and Washington's allies.

"As for Patriot batteries from the USA, we are not planning to supply Patriot batteries to Ukraine now," the official said.

At the same time, he noted that if any country wants to transfer its Patriot systems to Ukraine, it will be a sovereign decision of the states.

Ryder noted that if a NATO country wants to transfer the system, such a step will require discussion among the members of the alliance.

"Again, we will continue to work closely with the international community to determine what Ukraine's defense needs are and to meet them," a Pentagon spokesman said.

He added that Patriot systems, or any other modern military equipment, require quite substantial support, maintenance and training, so the US takes these factors into account when it comes to supplying weapons to Ukraine.

We will remind, earlier the adviser to the head of the Office of the President, Mykhailo Podolyak

, called to provide Ukraine with Patriot, F-16, Leopard

.

We also informed that if Ukraine receives American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems,

then it will be able to protect up to 120 kilometers of the front

.

Read also:

  • Germany is not going to hand over its Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine - the weapons must remain on the territory of NATO countries

  • NATO has warned that Russia will continue to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure

  • Putin will carpet bomb Ukraine if the West does not act - ex-commander of NATO forces

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