Reference News, November 19 report - According to AFP, November 18 report, the United States announced on the 18th that it had approved a $105 million "Patriot" air defense system maintenance project at Ukraine's request. The air defense system plays a key role in resisting Russian missiles and protecting Ukraine's airspace.
According to the statement, this maintenance involves spare parts and related services for the "Patriot" air defense system, particularly "launching device upgrades and other services, accessories, and spare parts."
This military sale has been approved by the U.S. Department of State and notified to Congress as required by U.S. law.
During his visit to the U.S. in October, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said he met with representatives of the U.S. defense industry, including Raytheon, the manufacturer of the "Patriot" air defense system.
Several days after his visit ended, Zelenskyy claimed that Ukraine "needs" an additional 25 sets of American "Patriot" air defense systems to counter Russian air attacks.
President Trump, who has positioned himself as a mediator in the conflict since returning to the White House in January, has strongly criticized the U.S. providing military and financial aid to Ukraine. The total amount of this aid has reached $67 billion since February 2022.
He pushed NATO to approve a plan allowing European countries to fund the transfer of U.S. weapons to Ukraine, rather than having the U.S. provide aid directly.
The Ukrainian president will travel to Turkey on the 19th to try to "bring back" the U.S. into the stalled peace talks with Russia, while Moscow again bombards Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter approaches. (Translation/ Liu Zhuo)
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