As Russia’s airstrikes on Ukraine escalate, the European Union and NATO countries are urging EU member states to provide more air defense systems to Ukraine. Spain has committed to providing a small quantity of Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
On Friday, El País, a Spanish newspaper, cited government officials as saying that Spain has ruled out the possibility of providing Patriot air defense missile launch systems but will offer a limited number of air defense missiles to Ukraine. The quantity provided will be very limited as Spain’s stockpile of war reserves is approximately 50 missiles, and these missiles are very expensive.
The official stated, “After refusing to transfer ammunition deployed on the Turkey-Syria border since 2013 to Ukraine, the Spanish Ministry of Defense has decided to transfer a small quantity of missiles to Ukraine.”
While the news has not been officially confirmed by the Spanish government, a diplomatic official from the country told foreign journalists on Thursday that Spain needs to reinforce its commitment to Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told NATO member countries that Ukraine needs at least seven sets of Patriots or other high-end air defense systems to counter Russia’s airstrikes and urged NATO members to increase military assistance to Kyiv.
Germany has promised to provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system and called on NATO allies to provide an additional six sets.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated on Thursday evening that Greece is unable to provide Patriots or S-300 air defense systems to Ukraine. Mitsotakis, in an interview with the media, said, “These systems are crucial for our deterrent capabilities.”
EU ministers have indicated that they are exploring ways to provide more air defense systems to Ukraine but have not made specific commitments yet.
After the United States passed a $610 billion aid package for Ukraine recently, they will host a virtual conference of donor countries this Friday to discuss how to assist Ukraine.