kyiv has been waiting for this decision for months. The American House of Representatives gave the green light on April 20 to a new envelope of $61 billion for Ukraine. Finally, American shells will be able to supply Ukrainian artillery currently in great difficulty compared to that of Russia – which fires five to ten times more projectiles. It’s about time: “The risk is very real that the Ukrainians will lose on the battlefield by the end of 2024 [sans notre aide]”, had alerted the head of the CIA, Bill Burns, before the vote.
Another type of munitions is being awaited even more eagerly by kyiv: anti-aircraft missiles for its American-made Patriot systems. Because in recent weeks, taking advantage of the progressive exhaustion of Ukrainian defenses, Russian drones and missiles have managed to hit hard energy infrastructure – 80% of capacity damaged – and large cities. The Ukrainians lost 18 Soviet-designed S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, according to the Oryx websitewhich identifies equipment losses.
To fill the increasingly large holes in the shield of the Ukrainian sky, Europeans have no choice, they must give more, even if it means reducing, at least for a time, their own capabilities (without however putting themselves in danger). . Ukraine’s president told NATO members they urgently need seven more Patriot systems, urging that they “save lives rather than sitting in storage bases somewhere.”
Germany has thus promised to send a third Patriot system. Other holders of this formidable aircraft killer and the fastest Russian missiles could also transfer them to kyiv, such as Spain and Greece (which also has S-300s), but seem to be hesitant. “There are other weapon systems that allies can provide, including SAMP/T [franco-italiens]”, also insisted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Time is running out: it is all the more imperative for Europeans to make this effort as the deep bombings orchestrated by Moscow impact the front line. This continues to be eroded by the Russian army, which could launch a major offensive at the end of spring, according to kyiv. “As long as Russia has the advantage in the air and can rely on terror carried out by drones and rockets,” Zelensky acknowledged, “our capabilities on the ground are unfortunately limited.” It’s urgent.