Which country can help Ukraine strengthen its air defense? Expert explains

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"We have a way out of the situation if the United States stops assisting Ukraine, especially in supplying air defense systems. In particular, there is the state of Israel, which has air defense systems that are a level above the Patriot SAM systems. Israel has removed the Patriot systems from combat duty and installed its own. That is why we need to start negotiating with Israel now about the supply of such air defense systems. All the more so, as a signal for Ukraine, a Holodomor memorial was opened in Jerusalem. This is a significant milestone. I believe we should take advantage of this. We should hold negotiations with the manufacturers of these air defense systems, because they could become a serious alternative to the American Patriot systems, with which the U.S. could blackmail us," Khazan explained.

According to the expert, after Israel removed the Patriot air defense systems from combat duty, the missiles for them were transferred to Ukraine.

"We need to move forward. I would very much like the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and certain specialists to pay attention specifically to Israeli air defense systems. This would reduce the reasons for concern about strengthening Ukraine's air defense. Although, it is also worth adding that it was Israel that transferred the missiles for the Patriot systems to Ukraine after removing these systems from combat duty," he added.

• On April 14, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine, with financial support from its partners, is ready to purchase 10 Patriot systems from the U.S. to protect peaceful cities from Russian attacks.