By Matt Underwood Zelenskiy says Ukraine has secured funds for three Patriot systems, looking to finance seven more, which is definitely a piece of positive news amid the ongoing conflict. This development suggests a commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, which is vital for protecting critical infrastructure and, more importantly, saving lives. It’s a step in the right direction, but the complexities surrounding this procurement highlight the challenges.
Securing the funding is just the first hurdle. Actually acquiring the systems involves navigating the intricacies of international arms sales. There can be potential roadblocks in the process, considering various factors in the decision-making process. Then, there is the pressing need for swift delivery. The faster these systems are deployed, the better chance Ukraine has of mitigating the relentless aerial attacks it’s facing.
Three Patriot batteries represent a limited number of missiles, which has caused concern over their ability to effectively protect the country. However, the goal to secure funding for seven more would provide additional resources. As the US uses a significant amount of missiles protecting Israel, and the annual production of missiles isn’t very high, this does raise the question of whether there are enough Patriot systems available in existence to adequately protect Ukraine. Further, the effectiveness of Patriots against some of the Russian missiles, drones, and glide bombs that are being deployed is a critical consideration.
The effectiveness of the Patriot system in this conflict raises questions. While it is an advanced air defense system, it might not be the most cost-effective solution against the barrage of drones and other relatively low-cost aerial threats Russia is employing. On the other hand, they might use the radar to guide in other assets, and the missiles are really just for self-defense or ballistic missile attacks. Some rumors have also been circulating that the Patriot batteries being provided by Germany are older versions that haven’t been upgraded.
Some have suggested the Patriot system might be obsolete against modern missiles. There are also those who express doubt regarding the longevity of these systems in Ukraine. Even if the systems are not as effective, ten batteries are a lot.
Ukraine’s struggle is often framed as a fight for a broader set of values. The core point being made is if Ukraine loses, it could embolden Russia and lead to further aggression in Europe. Russia has expressed its desires to rebuild the old Soviet Union, and some of those countries are now NATO members, triggering Article 5.
There are those who disagree. They may perceive Russia as a weaker military force and may be skeptical of Russia’s capability to defeat a united Europe. Some argue that Russia would only be able to fight against Europe alone if the US didn’t come to their assistance. The US and China are the two biggest military powers in the world, and Russia is in a distant third.
The discussion also brings up the broader context of the conflict. There are arguments about the perceived weakening of the West, the rise of extremist political parties, and the widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population. It’s suggested that Russia aims to exploit these internal divisions and distract the West.
The comparison to the situation leading up to World War II highlights the potential risks. Ukraine’s situation is seen as similar to Czechoslovakia or the Sudetenland, with Russia’s actions reflecting a pattern of incremental expansion. There’s also concern that if Ukraine were to be defeated and its people subjugated, they would be sent into the next conflict. The point is that the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine affects the stability and security of the wider European continent.