Ukraine Appeals "Help Us Like Israel"... NATO Chief "Discussing Patriot Support"

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stated on the 18th (local time) that discussions are underway to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems. This comes amid Ukraine expressing a sense of relative deprivation after Israel, with the help of allies including the United States, intercepted 99% of Iran's drones and missiles.

Before attending the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers' meeting held on the island of Capri, Italy, Secretary General Stoltenberg told reporters, "We are working to support Ukraine with more Patriot missile air defense systems," adding, "We are in discussions with certain specific countries." The identities of some of the countries involved in the discussions have not been disclosed.

He emphasized, "The Patriot missile air defense system is the most advanced defense system Ukraine can rely on," and stressed, "It is urgent and essential to supply it in a timely manner."

It appears that NATO has only recently taken active steps after Ukraine, struggling for over two years in the war with Russia, appealed for Western support at the level of Israel. Western allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France mobilized Patriot air defense networks to directly block drone and missile attacks against Israel from Iran, but have been reluctant to directly deploy their own troops or fighter jets to Ukraine. However, Germany recently announced plans to provide additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been appealing for more air defense systems to protect his people. Russia has recently concentrated airstrikes on Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure, leaving Ukraine virtually defenseless.

Secretary General Stoltenberg expressed concern, saying, "If the delivery of air defense systems is delayed, more Russian missiles will strike Ukrainian targets," and warned, "If ammunition supply is delayed, Russia will push more aggressively on the front lines." He added, "I am encouraged by the promises and decisions of NATO allies to support Ukraine," and noted, "There is a positive sign that the U.S. Congress will soon approve a $60.84 billion (about 84 trillion won) military aid package for Ukraine."

Stoltenberg also said that a NATO-Ukraine meeting will be held on the last day of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting on the 19th, and President Zelensky is expected to participate via video conference.