Reference News Network, July 16 report - According to the US "Newsweek" website on July 14, the United States will deploy additional "Patriot" air defense systems to Ukraine, part of a deal funded by the European Union aimed at strengthening Kyiv's defense capabilities. At the same time, President Trump's dissatisfaction with Russian President Putin is also increasing.
On the 14th, Trump confirmed that he would deliver the "urgent need" "Patriot" missiles to Ukraine, and the related costs would be fully borne by European allies. Germany has agreed to fund at least two "Patriot" missile launchers. It was reported that Norway has also joined the ranks of those funding more launchers.
The report cited Mark Cancienne, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, as saying that the main impact of the U.S.-European agreement is political rather than tactical, aiming to pressure Moscow into participating in ceasefire negotiations.
Cancienne warned that the attention given to the "Patriot" system is disproportionate to its actual impact on the battlefield. "The attention on the 'Patriot' system is too high. It is indeed an important defensive capability, but it was designed to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles. Only about 10% of the missiles Russia launched fall into these two categories," Cancienne said. "Most attacks come from low-technology suicide drones. For these drones, Ukraine needs various types of air defense systems."
Cancienne emphasized that Ukraine's needs go far beyond air defense systems, "it also needs comprehensive weapons, ammunition, and military supplies, because its combat forces consume these supplies rapidly."
He said that this EU agreement aims to demonstrate a unified stance of the West against Russia, forcing Moscow to "participate in ceasefire negotiations", "the 'Patriot' is indeed important, but it is not a game-changer by itself." (Translated by Yang Ke)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7527573726214111744/
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