JAKARTA - Supreme Allied Commander European, NATO's top military commander, General Alexus Grynkewich said on Thursday preparations were underway to immediately transfer additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine as the country experienced some of the toughest Russian attacks in the war so far.
"We are working closely with Germany in the Patriot transfer," he said at a conference in the city of Wiesbaden, Germany.
"The guidelines given to me are for delivery as soon as possible," he said.
Earlier this week, the President of the United States announced a firm stance on Russia over its war in Ukraine that has lasted more than three years, promising new missiles and other weapons for Kyiv.
He said on Tuesday some Patriot missiles, originating from Germany, were already on their way to Ukraine.
The meeting between Patriot-owning countries and Ukrainian donors, aimed at finding additional Patriot air defense batteries for Kyiv and chaired by General Grynkewich, is likely to take place on Wednesday next week, sources close to the negotiations told Reuters.
The expert-level meeting is expected to be held at NATO military headquarters, The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) near Mons City, Belgium, according to the source.
General Grynkewich said there was also a shipping order issue to Ukraine.
"Foreign Minister Marco Rubio has just spoken about the capabilities in Europe (which) can be moved faster than anything new from the production line," said General Grynkewich.
"However, the production line can then be used to replenish the capabilities contributed by other parties," he said.
He said he did not know how many Patriot systems might be donated to be sent to Kyiv.
"There will be more to come, we will move as quickly as possible in this regard," he said.
SEE ALSO:
Following a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington on Monday, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the decision to supply two US-made Patriot systems to Kyiv could be reached within days or weeks. Germany has so far donated three of its own Patriot units to Kyiv.
Ukraine appreciates the Patriot system, created by US defense companies as the most valuable means of intercepting ballistic and hypersonic missiles fired by Russia.
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