NATO, EU urge Spain, Greece to hand over Patriot missiles to Ukraine — Bloomberg

NATO and the European Union are increasing pressure on Spain and Greece, urging the countries to transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine. The reason was an acute shortage of ammunition for Ukrainian air defense against the backdrop of increased Russian air attacks.

Bloomberg reports this, citing informed sources.

According to the publication, the corresponding requests were received by Madrid and Athens during the summer. Among the possible options is a scheme under which Norway would purchase missiles and then transfer them to Ukraine.

Spain and Greece have significant missile stocks

Bloomberg notes that Spain and Greece have some of the largest stocks of Patriot interceptor missiles among Ukraine’s allies. In particular, we are talking about PAC-2 missiles, some of which are approaching the end of their shelf life.

Greece previously transferred ammunition to Ukraine, but did not agree to give up its own Patriot systems. Athens explained this by the need to maintain its own defense capabilities against the backdrop of a long-standing rivalry with Turkey.

Spain has previously said it plans to provide Ukraine with €1 billion in military aid in 2026.

Ukraine urgently needs air defense reinforcements

Kyiv has been pushing for increased air defense supplies in recent months due to increased Russian attacks. The need for missiles for the American Patriot systems remains particularly acute.

At the same time, finding additional supplies is becoming increasingly difficult. Some European countries fear that further transfers of systems and ammunition could weaken their own air defenses.

The issue of additional supplies to Ukraine is to be discussed at a meeting of EU defense and foreign ministers in Dublin. Representatives of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are to join the negotiations on September 2.

Europe is also considering allowing Ukraine to purchase more Patriot missiles with the help of a €90 billion loan. At the same time, France and Italy are advocating that these funds be directed towards the purchase of European SAMP/T systems.