US poised to approve Patriot missile battery for Ukraine
Associated PressDec 14, 2022
According to reports in CNN, Reuters and the Associated Press — all of whom cited three unnamed American officials on Tuesday — the US is finalizing plans to send Raytheon-made Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine.
While a decision on sending the advanced system has reportedly been in consideration for some time, the trigger hasn't been pulled amid fears it would be seen as an escalation by Russia, as well as concerns it would require US troops in Ukraine to operate its technology. Nonetheless, the three outlets reported that an affirmative decision is expected this week.
Zelenskyy has constantly pleaded with Western countries to provide more advanced weapons systems to help bring about an end to the war. Delivery of the Patriot missile defense system will help Ukraine defend itself from Russian aerial attacks more effectively.
This move is not only about defense — it is an escalation. If the US sends Patriot missile defense systems to Kyiv, they will be considered fair game for Russian attacks, as will any personnel who are needed for their operation.
There is a 15% chance that Ukraine will receive a security guarantee from another country before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.