Zelenskyy Proposes Joint Air Defense "Shield" with Poland and Other Countries; German Defense Minister: Provide Two More Patriot Systems by End of Year
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv has proposed establishing a joint air defense system with allies to counter threats from Russia. This comes after a series of airspace incursions by NATO's eastern wing member states, which have raised concerns.
NATO leaders stated that Russia has been testing NATO's readiness and resolve by invading the airspace of Poland and Baltic countries. Kyiv pointed out that Ukraine's experience in dealing with aerial threats would be very valuable.
Zelenskyy said during a video conference speech at the Warsaw Security Forum: "Ukraine suggests that Poland and all our partners establish a joint, completely reliable shield (air defense system) to counter Russian aerial threats."
Zelenskyy emphasized, "It is possible. Ukraine can counter various types of Russian drones and missiles. If we act together in this region, we will have sufficient weapons and production capacity."
The Ukrainian side has stated that its military and engineers will train Polish counterparts in counter-drone measures. Meanwhile, Romania plans to cooperate with Ukraine in developing drones under the EU's new defense funding mechanism.
Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Mocanu stated on Monday at the Warsaw Security Forum that new drone debris were found in Tulcea County, located in eastern Romania, adjacent to Ukraine.
With leaders from various countries gathering in Warsaw for the annual security forum, defense cooperation with Ukraine became a key topic. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated, "The defense industry of Europe and Ukraine must cooperate more closely and effectively."
Pistorius noted, "The EU must support this and provide a more flexible regulatory framework for Europe's defense industry." After Russia invaded NATO airspace, NATO's eastern wing countries agreed that a "drone wall" with advanced detection, tracking, and interception capabilities was needed.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Kaczyński-Kameš emphasized that Ukraine's participation in the project is crucial.
Kaczyński-Kameš said, "Cooperation between Poland and Ukraine in this field already exists, but we are expecting... cooperation between the EU and Ukraine as well," and pointed out, "Otherwise, we will face danger, and there will be gaps in our air defense, missile, and anti-drone defense systems."
However, Pistorius warned that building the "drone wall" is not easy. Pistorius said, "We are not discussing a concept that can be realized in the next three or four years. We need to determine priorities and recognize that we need more capabilities and scale than previously described."
Pistorius also revealed on Monday that Germany plans to deliver two more "Patriot" air defense systems to Ukraine by the end of 2025, with the help of Norway.
Pistorius stated during a panel discussion at the two-day Warsaw Security Forum that Germany has already delivered three "Patriot" air defense systems to Ukraine and mentioned the latest Russian air strikes on Ukraine over the weekend.
Pistorius said, "Germany has already delivered three 'Patriot' systems. By the end of this year, with the support of our Norwegian partner, we will provide two more modern 'Patriot' systems." It is currently unclear whether the two "Patriot" air defense systems mentioned by Pistorius are the same as the two systems he promised in August.
Source: rfi
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844640644021323/
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