Air Defense - Third German Patriot system apparently ready for use in Ukraine
Ukraine has strengthened its air defense against Russian attacks and feels a little safer. "The German Patriot has arrived," said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening video address. Germany has provided Ukraine with three Patriot air defense systems, the third of which has reportedly declared readiness for action.
"We will be able to do more in the sky," Zelenskyy continued. "Of course, there is still a lot to do, and the protection is not yet guaranteed, but it is still a gain for Ukraine."
Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized in recent weeks that Ukraine needs more comprehensive protection for its airspace. The numbers he has mentioned for the required Patriot systems vary between six and 25. It is unclear how many systems have been delivered so far and whether they are all still operational.
Ukraine is vulnerable in the sky
Russia is bombarding Ukraine with new air raids. In the process, the Ukrainian air defense is either tested by so-called kamikaze drones that usually attack in waves or by rocket and air raids with specialized guided air-to-ground bombs, which are remotely controlled by pilots.
In a Russian drone attack in the Sumy region in eastern Ukraine, the driver of a combine harvester was killed. His passenger was seriously injured in the afternoon attack, Ukrainian media reported, citing the local prosecutor's office. The combine harvester was on a field during the harvest.
Russia has been waging an offensive war against Ukraine for over two years. Russian troops attack both civilian and military targets.
- Despite the arrival of the German Patriot air defense system, Ukraine remains vulnerable in its skies, as Russia continues to bombard the country with new air raids.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Germany's provision of three Patriot air defense systems, stating that it would allow Ukraine to do more in the sky for air defense.
- The Russian attacks on Ukraine's airspace are relentless, testing the Ukrainian air defense with kamikaze drones and guided air-to-ground bombs, as seen in the attack in the Sumy region.
- In response to the ongoing conflicts and threats, Ukraine has advocated for additional Patriot-Missile Defense Systems to strengthen its defenses, with President Zelenskyy requesting between six and 25 systems.
