Romania to transfer Patriot to Ukraine: expert explains reasons behind decision

Defense Express military expert Valerii Riabykh said this on Espreso TV.

"Most likely, Romania's decision is dictated by several factors. Firstly, it is a coordinated policy with the United States, as the country of origin of this system and the country that moderates the processes within the coalition of states to provide Ukraine with air defence systems. In addition, there is a consensus among the Romanian leadership on the importance of transferring these systems to Ukraine."There is a fully matured understanding that Ukraine is deterring the aggressor, and the transfer of air defence systems, which was pressed by NATO member states, is a contribution to NATO's security and to pushing back the frontiers of threats," he said.

It is crucial that Romania's Patriot system will be delivered free of charge. Riabykh said: "The Romanian leadership and people in general understand that this is not a simple donation, but an investment in their own air defence. Although the transfer of the system to Ukraine is being considered, in reality, it is simply pushing Romania's own air defence boundaries further away."

Today, Ukraine's interests in providing air cover have coincided with the process of our partners' realisation that investing in Ukraine's air defence is an investment in their own security, the military expert said.

"Even today we wrote about possible obstacles, why Romania cannot transfer such systems to Ukraine. There are many factors, including the fact that Romania has not yet been able to receive the order, which was completed in 2017. The first system was delivered in 2020. So far, the country has received 4 systems, but only one of them is fully operational and functioning now," he said.

• Romania will provide Ukraine with the Patriot air defence system. The decision was made June 20, at a meeting of the country's Defence Council.