Romanian President Names Conditions for Patriot System Transfer to Ukraine

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has said that the supply of the Patriot system to Ukraine must be approved by the Supreme National Defence Council, must not harm Romania's air defence and must provide something in return to his country, Digi24 reports.

President Klaus Iohannis stressed that he would not discuss the issue of the possible transfer of the Patriot system to Ukraine "in a wide public space". He clarified that there is "no time horizon" for making this decision, but made it clear that he would not agree to Romania being left without air defence: if Romania gives up something, it should receive something else.

"I don't comment on this issue and I don't think it has anything to do with the public space. This issue needs to be discussed with army experts, finally resolved and the result reported. I don't think that a broad public debate is desirable on such a highly specialised issue, which should be directed to a territory where, unfortunately, we have an armed conflict," said President Klaus Johannis.

Johannis also added that the delivery of the Patriot system is accompanied by numerous logistical and legal challenges.

"Don't think it's just a trailer with three vehicles. It's very complicated, there are contracts between the supplier and the beneficiary, there are very complex installations, and these things need to be very clear," Johannis said.

As a reminder, Romania signed an agreement to purchase Patriot systems in 2017, but so far has only one system that is operational.

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs 25 Patriot systems to protect the country from Russian attacks, but Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he is currently focused on securing seven to protect Ukraine's largest cities.