NATO, Ukraine to discuss air defence after Russian strikes

NATO, Ukraine to discuss air defence after Russian strikes
by AFP Staff Writers
Brussels (AFP) Jan 4, 2024

Ambassadors from NATO and Ukraine will hold a special meeting next week as Kyiv urges faster deliveries of air defences after mounting Russian strikes, the alliance said Thursday.

Moscow has over the New Year unleashed some of its biggest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine since the early days of the invasion in February 2022.

At least 32 people were killed in the deadliest attack on Kyiv on December 29.

"NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will convene a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council next Wednesday," NATO spokesman Dylan White said.

"The meeting will be held at ambassadorial level and is convened at Ukraine's request following recent Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, cities and towns."

White added that "NATO allies have already delivered a vast array of air defence systems to Ukraine and they are committed to further bolstering Ukraine's defences."

Kyiv says the latest attacks underline the need for Western allies to speed up delivery of air defence equipment, combat drones and long-range missiles.

But the call comes as support from leading NATO power the United States is running dry due to stalemate in the US Congress.

President Joe Biden has made backing Ukraine a priority and US weapons and financial assistance have been crucial in helping the pro-Western country battle against attacking Russian force.

However, right-wing Republicans have led a push to halt the effort, refusing to authorise new budget outlays if the Democrats don't first agree to sweeping, tough new measures against illegal migration over the US southern border.

NATO partners pledge 1,000 Patriot missiles for Ukraine
Washington DC (UPI) Jan 3, 2024 - NATO said Wednesday it will support a deal for a group of European members to purchase about 1,000 Patriot air defense systems to aid Ukraine amid increased Russian attacks.

The NATO Procurement Agency said the deal will see Germany, Netherlands, Romania and Spain acquire up to 1,000 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles, or GEM-T.

"This contract demonstrates that NSPA, as a primary enabler of the alliance, can sucessfully deliver effective and cost-efficient multinational solutions to nations, while reinforcing European industrial capacities," NSPA General Manager Stacy Cummings said.

The contract, worth $5.5 billion, was given to COMLOG, a joint venture between Germany's MBDA defense company and U.S.-based weapons manufacture Raytheon.

"The contract will expand the European production of the missiles, enhancing supply and ensuring the replacement of Allied stockpiles," NATO said.

According to NATO, a new Patriot missile production facility will be set up in Germany as part of the project.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the "timely announcement" in a statement."

"This investment shows the strength of transatlantic defense cooperation and NATO's commitment to keeping our people safe," Stoltenberg said. "Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, cities and towns show how important modern air defenses are. Scaling-up ammunition production is key for Ukraine's security and for ours."

The Ukrainian military has reported a high rate of success for its air defense system as Russia continues to launch massive strikes.

Over New Year's Eve, Russia unleashed about 90 drones against Ukrainian cities with the Ukrainian military saying it intercepted 87. A subsequent strike killed four people across Ukraine on Tuesday.