Netherlands takes lead in equipping Ukraine with air defence systems as Russian bombardment continues

As Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, the Netherlands has taken the lead in efforts to equip Ukraine with much-needed air defence systems.

The Netherlands has taken the lead in the initiative of some European countries to equip Ukraine with one Patriot air defence system.

The Patriot is the US Army’s primary air and missile defence system. While the Patriot was initially designed as an anti-aircraft system, newer variants of the system can engage ballistic and cruise missiles and loitering munitions as well, according to the Missile Defense Project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested at least two Patriot air defence systems from Western partners, including from the United States.

The Netherlands to source Patriot system from Europe

The Netherlands is not going to provide the Patriot system itself to Ukraine, but it’s going to lead an initiative and look for parts and munitions among the European countries and then deliver it to Ukraine, according to DPA news agency.

A press release from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Defence said the country “has identified which countries could offer additional Patriot parts and munitions” for the purpose of delivering a complete system to Ukraine, as per the report.

The press release did not mention which countries were part of the Netherlands-led initiative.

In a separate statement, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren said, “Ukraine, of course, is still under attack. Airstrikes continue. Patriot systems are scarce in Europe and NATO, but we are now taking a step forward, so we will supply components of Patriot systems.”

Zelenskyy has called for more weapons, more liberty in attacking Russia

Zelenskyy has lately urged his Western partners to allow Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia from weapons supplied by these partners. He has also sought more air defence systems from Western partners.

So far, Western partners, particularly the United States, has not allowed Ukraine to use weapons provided by them to hit targets inside Russia.

In a statement on Monday, Zelenskyy said they need to do “security and tangible coercion of Russia” to make it sue for peace “by all means”, according to VOA News.

Zelenskyy further said that not just Russia but partners of Ukraine also need to be under pressure to “give us the opportunity to defend ourselves against Russia”.

“Even those partners who are afraid to give this or that advice should understand that air defense is defense, not attack,” said Zelenskyy.