Ukraine takes delivery of another Patriot air-defense system, as Russian attacks ramp up
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said another Patriot system had arrived from Germany.
The air-defense system has been a key Ukrainian ask, but allies have been reluctant to give theirs.
Zelenskyy also echoed his past concern that Ukraine needs far more as Russian air attacks escalate.
Ukraine has received another Patriot air-defense system to try to help it combat Russia's air attacks across the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an address on Sunday that another Patriot system had arrived from Germany — Ukraine's third one from the country.
Ukraine has so far received at least four of the in-demand air-defense systems from its allies, but the exact number and their locations are kept secret.
Western countries have also recently committed to sending Ukraine at least four more.
"We can already say that our air defense has been bolstered," Zelenskyy said. "The German "Patriot" system has arrived in Ukraine, and I would like to thank Germany and the United States for this step. We will be able to do more in the skies."
Zelenskyy added, however, that "of course, there is still much work ahead, and this is far from guaranteed protection, but nevertheless, it means more strength for Ukraine."
The MIM-104 Patriot missile system is the most advanced air-defense system that Ukraine has been given to fight back against Russia's invasion.
Ukraine has used it to stop Russian drone and missile attacks, and to shoot down advanced Russian aircraft.
The Patriot's performance in Ukraine has been so successful that air warfare experts previously told Business Insider that lingering doubts about the system had now been dispelled.
Ukraine has needed a large number of air defenses since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Russia's strategy has often involved sending drones and missiles across the country, far from the fighting in the east, destroying infrastructure and killing civilians.
Russia's missile and drone attacks have been escalating for weeks, with strikes on residential areas, including a children's hospital in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy said earlier this month that his country needed 25 Patriots to defend it from Russian missile attacks.
Ukraine's use of air defense systems has allowed it to largely deny its airspace to Russian aircraft, something that experts say is a remarkable achievement given Ukraine has a much smaller and older air force.
But air warfare analysts warn that Ukraine running low on air defenses would be a disaster for the country, as it would allow Russia's air force to fly freely, which is something that could quickly bring about the end of the war.
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