German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius asked Switzerland to provide Ukraine with Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, but the outcome is unclear, as Switzerland remains neutral and does not provide weapons to warring countries.
Romania will consider supplying Ukraine with one of its Patriot air defense systems to protect it from Russian air attacks, President Klaus Iohannis said after meeting with US President Joe Biden.
Lithuania will provide Ukraine with air defense systems, joining Germany in providing additional military support.
Ukraine has already received Patriot air defense missiles from Spain and other Western allies to defend against Russian attacks.
Scholz calls on partners to provide Ukraine with more Patriot air defense systems from their existing stockpiles to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
Germany plans to deploy a permanent brigade to Lithuania to strengthen NATO's eastern defense. The deployment of the German brigade in the Baltic country is "in full swing.
The new Patriot air defense system from Germany is expected to arrive in Ukraine no earlier than the end of June, which may coincide with the delivery of F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine has long been requesting.
The American military battalion will remain in Lithuania indefinitely, and not until the end of 2025, as previously planned.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Kuleba said that the US aid package has boosted morale, but that a Patriot battery would have boosted it even more, as Ukrainians suffer the most from Russian missile attacks. And half of Ukraine's energy system is damaged.
Ukraine needs more air defense systems from international partners to protect its underground gas storage facilities, which are crucial to Europe's energy security.
Against the backdrop of russian missile attacks, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin called on countries with Patriot air defense systems to transfer them to Ukraine, emphasizing that air defense was a key topic at the last meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
Israel plans to decommission its outdated Patriot air defense systems within two months and replace them with more modern systems such as David's Sling and Iron Dome.
Ukraine has received assurances from its NATO partners that there will be no delays in the delivery of missiles for the Patriot system and is working on obtaining additional systems, but no specifics have been provided.
Zelenskiy called on allies to provide more advanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks, saying this would reduce Russia's ability to wage terror and force it to seek peace.
Russia has launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine's gas facilities, which are crucial for gas supplies to the European Union. Some of the missiles were shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems.
According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the $7. 5 billion in U.S. aid will allow Ukraine to finance all social expenditures, such as pensions and subsidies, without delay.
Russia launched a nighttime missile attack, one of the first after a brief lull, using powerful weapons such as hypersonic Kinzhal missiles that are difficult to shoot down in areas lacking effective air defense systems.
Spain will send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, which will arrive at the logistics base within four days, and provide other military assistance, including machine guns, vehicles, anti-tank weapons, and howitzers over the next two months.
The $6 billion U. S. military aid package for Ukraine includes ammunition for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems, artillery shells, small arms, unmanned aerial vehicles, radars, and equipment to integrate Western systems into Ukraine's air defense system.
The U. S. will provide Ukraine with the largest military aid package ever, worth $6 billion, including vehicles, air defense systems, artillery ammunition, anti-drone weapons, and air-to-ground missiles for fighter jets, to significantly improve the situation in Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares further military assistance and steps to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.
Ukraine has the potential to produce drones and electronic warfare systems, and is forming new brigades to strengthen its positions, but needs support with weapons and orders to fill its defense capabilities, as the best soldiers cannot change the situation on the battlefield without weapons.
This week, the United States is sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russian bombardment.
Ukrainian President Zelensky urgently requested at least 7 Patriot missile defense systems from partners to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian air attacks and missiles.
Drone attacks on peaceful cities in Ukraine have been on hold for several days, but this could be a lull before preparations for a massive attack or monitoring of Ukraine's countermeasures, said Ilya Evlash, spokesman for the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Ukraine needs not only long-range Patriot systems, but also medium- and short-range systems to counter enemy attacks.
Spain has agreed to provide Ukraine with a limited number of missiles for the Patriot air defense system, despite pressure from NATO and the EU.
Greece refuses to provide Ukraine with such important air defense systems as Patriot and S-300, as they are critical for the protection of Greek airspace.
The United States is preparing the largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine, worth $6 billion, including Patriot systems, artillery ammunition, drones, anti-drone weapons, and air-to-air missiles, although the equipment could take years to deliver.
President Zelenskyy held phone conversations with leaders of the U. S. Congress, thanking them for their military assistance to Ukraine and discussing the need to further develop air defense and long-range radar systems.