The Biden administration has made a significant policy adjustment to prioritize critical air defense capabilities for Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing assault on the country. This decision aims to ensure Ukraine's survival as it faces relentless missile and drone attacks from Russia.
Ukrainian officials had emphasized the urgent need for additional air defenses to defend against Russia's aerial assaults on cities and civilian infrastructure. As a result, the US will begin delivering Patriot and NASAM interceptors to Ukraine this summer, impacting the timelines for other countries awaiting these weapons.
The State Department and Pentagon are engaged in diplomatic efforts to inform affected countries of the delayed timelines for receiving the interceptors. The policy change will allow Ukraine to receive the air defense capabilities first, followed by other countries in the queue.
The decision has been met with understanding from many countries, recognizing the necessity of prioritizing Ukraine's defense given the current situation. The Biden administration's shift in policy reflects a commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
In addition to providing air defense systems, the US has granted Ukraine permission to strike inside Russian territory with American munitions, marking a departure from previous US policy. This move underscores the administration's efforts to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.
The decision to prioritize Ukraine was finalized in late May after national security adviser Jake Sullivan proposed the adjustment in response to escalating Russian air campaigns against Ukraine. The US aims to send sufficient quantities of air defense interceptors to Ukraine to counter Russian air missile attacks for the foreseeable future.
President Biden informed Ukrainian President Zelensky of the decision during their meeting at the G7 summit in Italy. They also announced a bilateral security pact committing the US to 10 years of continued training for Ukraine's armed forces, enhanced cooperation in weapon production, ongoing military assistance, and increased intelligence sharing.
