White House's multi-pronged play: Patriot missiles to Ukraine, European aid fund

"The U.S. is ready to provide Ukraine with weapons financed by European partners. Germany wants to make a significant contribution to this. We need to discuss the details with our partners as soon as possible," he added.

It is worth noting that the decision to deliver 17 Patriot air defense batteries to Ukraine can be viewed not only as strengthening defense capabilities but also as a clear military-political signal — primarily to Russia. In recent times, Russia’s main tool of pressure on Ukraine has been massive strikes using aerodynamic and aeroballistic weapons. The greatest threat comes from aeroballistic missiles, which can only be intercepted by Patriot systems or European systems such as SAMP/T.

The Patriot air defense system can simultaneously detect and identify over 100 airborne targets, continuously track eight of them, and prepare targeting data, launch, and guidance for up to three missiles per target at a range of up to 160 km.

To destroy aerial targets, the MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3 uses the PAC-3 missile, which is declared capable of hitting enemy aircraft at a distance of up to 160 km. The missile has its own radar homing head and a speed of up to Mach 4.1.

Unfortunately, Ukraine currently has a very limited number of these air defense systems.

The Patriot systems have been supplied to Ukraine by the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands.

The Netherlands provided Ukraine with three Patriot launchers, significantly strengthening its missile and air defense. Notably, Patriot can also target the Oreshnik or Kedr combat units according to Ukrainian classification.

Germany has delivered three batteries, and several more have come from other countries (including Romania). However, this is clearly insufficient to protect the entire territory of Ukraine. The country’s size, the complex geography of key infrastructure, and the constantly evolving tactics of Russian attacks have made it impossible to establish a fully layered air defense system, especially in remote regions.

This situation has allowed the enemy to achieve information and political effects: civilian casualties, damage to energy, transport, and social infrastructure — all of which add pressure on both the public and the government.

The United States understands this very well. That is why the decision to transfer 17 Patriot batteries is not just support for Ukraine but an attempt to dismantle Russia's pressure mechanism. Reducing the likelihood of strikes on Ukrainian cities diminishes the Kremlin’s informational and political leverage.

This is especially important considering that the front line has remained largely unchanged for over half a year — with no significant advances or strategic goals achieved, such as reaching the administrative borders of Donetsk Oblast or pushing further into Sumy region.

"The delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine is a message to Russia: the U.S. will not allow the strategy of terrorizing civilians to continue. In turn, it is also a message to Ukraine: the U.S. remains a reliable strategic partner of our country."

The number seventeen is significant, as it even exceeds the official requests made by Ukraine’s president.

Back in late February 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the transfer of ten Patriot systems would dramatically impact the situation in the war with Russia.

It’s important to note that the U.S. administration emphasizes that the main financial burden should fall on European countries. Germany has already declared its readiness to purchase three batteries.

Merz recalled that earlier agreements had been reached to transfer Patriot systems to Ukraine from European stockpiles, particularly from Eastern Europe. These systems are expected to be replaced later with deliveries from the U.S.

But fourteen more remain to be provided.

"This opens a new level of discussion — either EU countries create a new defense funding program for Ukraine, or — which is highly likely — frozen Russian assets will be used. The first steps in this direction have already been taken."

The United Kingdom became the first country to begin using interest earned on frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. This move sends a clear signal to Moscow that its funds can be used against it. Former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal is also pushing the West in this direction.

It is worth recalling that the U.K. has announced plans to provide over €4 billion in military-technical aid to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets.

Britain has taken the lead on this issue, clearly showing the Russian side that if the Kremlin is counting on bureaucratic delays and the pro-Russian stances of leaders like Orbán and Fico, then the EU’s reaction may be exactly the opposite of Moscow’s expectations.

"In my opinion, Trump’s proposal that European partners should finance military-technical aid packages to Ukraine is a multi-vector military-political operation by the White House, whose ultimate goal is to resolve the issue of using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense forces."

It is noteworthy that the statements by European partners indicate a clear understanding in Europe that it should not be European taxpayers footing the bill for military-technical aid to Ukraine, but the occupying country. That is fair.

It is likely that the U.S. is thus initiating a long-term strategy: officially announcing the transfer of Patriot systems while simultaneously pushing European countries to either unite in a new aid fund or legitimize the confiscation of frozen Russian assets.

This is also connected with U.S. Senate initiatives, including a bill by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, which provides not only for strengthened sanctions against Russia but also for specific steps to use frozen assets to finance Ukraine’s defense.

"Ukraine needs a layered air defense system that can protect not only regional centers but the entire territory of the country."

Currently, the occupying country has changed its tactics and strategy for striking Ukraine. The enemy is terrorizing the civilian population using both drones and aeroballistic weapons.

It’s important to note that Patriot systems are only one part of air defense — they require targeting data from AWACS-type aircraft and satellites to operate effectively. Most importantly, they must work as part of an integrated system with fighter jets, which for NATO countries are the primary means of air defense.

In this context, this points to a broader European defense management system.

Specially for Espreso

About the author: Dmytro Sniehyrov, military expert, co-head of the civil initiative Prava Sprava.

The editorial board does not necessarily share the views expressed by blog authors.