Netherlands wants to deliver additional Patriot system to Ukraine jointly with partners

2 comments

1. *Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.*

   The Netherlands wants to deliver an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine in cooperation with other countries, the Dutch Defense Ministry said on May 28.

   The country has identified which partners could contribute parts and ammunition from their own stocks and called on them to join the initiative.

   “We are in discussions with countries to assemble a Patriot system and also train Ukrainian crews,” Dutch Defense Minister [**Kajsa Ollongren**](https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/05/28/nederland-neemt-voortouw-in-gezamenlijk-leveren-patriot-systeem-voor-oekraine-roept-landen-op-bij-te-dragen) said.

   “With our offer, and if other potential partner countries can supply parts and ammunition, we can provide Ukraine with at least one complete system in the short term.”

2. Proud of my country’s stance towards Ukraine.

   But let’s face it: since the war started, we (mostly the US) have slowly started to support Ukraine, crossing one previous no-go, red line after the other. Every time we’ve started another discussion about the next step and every time we’ve been late with delivering them.

   I ask everyone: If we were finally going to give it all anyway, in hindsight, what was all the political delaying and tiresome incrementalism for? We’ve just been benefiting Russia on a tactical level.

   Can we please, finally make the decision to help Ukraine to win? Can we please just let them choose targets in Russia?

   Let’s face it… we’re going to eventually get the gloves off anyway. The question is: are we going to wait for Russia to be completely rearmed by their allies and make the war impossible to win, only to simper out into a stalemate that will leave a terrible taste in all of our mouths?