BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries possessing Patriot air defense systems gave no clear signal on Monday whether they might be willing to supply them to Ukraine, which is desperately seeking at least seven of the missile batteries to help fend off Russian air attacks.
Russia’s air force is vastly more powerful than Ukraine’s, but sophisticated missile systems provided by Kyiv’s Western partners can pose a major threat as the Kremlin’s forces slowly push forward along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line in the war.
Only Germany has come forward with a single Patriot missile battery in answer to Ukraine’s latest request.
At a meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said the Netherlands is “looking at every kind of possibility at the moment” and is offering financial support to a German initiative to help Ukraine bolster its air defenses and to buy more drones.
An adored ostrich at a Kansas zoo has died after swallowing a staff member's keys
Large blaze at Auckland scrap metal site contained
Watch: Christopher Luxon faces questions at post
Satellite photos suggest Iran air defense radar struck in Isfahan during apparent Israeli attack
Watch: PM Christopher Luxon announces building products shake
Gunmen kill at least 60 in attack at concert hall near Moscow
Yoko Ono to receive Edward MacDowell Medal for lifetime achievement
Coalition deals: What happens if things go wrong
Lawyer, 50, who paid off her tax bill with client's £132,000 divorce settlement avoids jail
The ancient Roman alternative to daylight savings time