In a significant development in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Israel is reportedly in negotiations to transfer up to eight Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine via the US. This potential move, as reported by the Financial Times, could substantially enhance Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian military operations.
Russia fires warning to Israel over Patriot missiles for Ukrainehttps://t.co/JXZr7UIB6O#ukraine #russia #israel #US
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The proposed transfer, which is still under discussion and not yet finalized, would involve a two-stage process. Initially, the Patriot batteries would be moved from Israel to the US, and subsequently from the US to Ukraine. This arrangement, if implemented, could provide crucial support to Ukraine's defensive efforts.
However, the prospect of such a transfer has drawn sharp criticism from Russian officials. Vasily Nebenzya, Russia's UN envoy, expressed his disapproval during a news conference on Monday. "The weapons, whoever they are sent by [...] to Ukraine, will eventually be destroyed, just like other Western and US weapons. That is obvious. But I assume that this could of course have certain political consequences," Nebenzya stated.
The timing of Nebenzya's comments is noteworthy, as they coincide with Russia assuming the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for one month, effective July 1.
The potential transfer comes at a time when the Israeli Air Force has been considering phasing out its Patriot batteries. Earlier this year, Israeli officials cited the age of the systems and plans to upgrade to more advanced, domestically-produced air defense technologies as reasons for the planned retirement.
Israel's history with the Patriot system dates back to the 1991 Gulf War when the administration of President George H.W. Bush provided them to counter Iraqi Scud missiles.
Despite these retirement plans, Israel has not yet fully decommissioned its Patriot systems. The batteries remain active in the current war with Hamas, and Israeli defense strategists likely view them as a potential asset in case of increased tensions with Hezbollah. This ongoing utility has delayed the complete phaseout of the Patriot batteries from Israel's air defense network.
The potential transfer of these air defense systems could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and may further strain diplomatic relations between involved parties.
