European countries are exploring ways to quickly send additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine ahead of winter, while France and Italy are working together to provide Kyiv with a SAMP/T system and Aster missiles, sources at the French presidential palace told Ukrinform.
The discussions come as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its air defenses ahead of another winter of Russian strikes on critical and civilian infrastructure.
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“Countries that manufacture or have already purchased Patriot systems are considering several options,” the Élysée Palace said when asked whether additional Patriot systems could be delivered to Ukraine soon.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has been particularly insistent on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses as Russia changes its tactics and weapons used in attacks, according to the sources.
Patriot systems could address part of Ukraine’s needs, but Kyiv also requires other air defense systems, the sources said.
France has already announced that, in coordination with Italy, it plans to provide Ukraine with a SAMP/T system currently in French possession, along with Aster missiles.
“They will effectively strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities,” the Élysée sources said.
Asked when the systems and missiles would be delivered, the French presidential palace said only: “The work is ongoing.”
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France expects the coming winter to be difficult for Ukraine because of continued Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“Everyone understands that the winter will be difficult,” the sources said, while stressing that Russia has not achieved a breakthrough on the battlefield.
“There is no scenario in which the Russians would manage to break through the front line,” they said.
“Their strikes on cities cause significant damage and have a dramatic impact on the civilian population, but on the battlefield, the Russians are not making a breakthrough.”
The French sources said continued military and financial support for Ukraine, alongside increased pressure on Russia, would be necessary under the circumstances.
Zelensky said earlier that Ukraine’s leadership would soon consider the development of the joint FREYJA anti-ballistic program, as well as additional long-range strike capabilities.