The need to deliver air defense systems to Ukraine is underway, but it appears that neither Spain nor Greece will be the source of these systems. According to Spanish outlet El PaÃs, Madrid has decided against redeploying one of its three Patriots to Ukraine. Instead, they have committed to sending missiles that are compatible with the existing surface-to-air system.
While the additional firepower will be appreciated, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed that his country is severely lacking in at least seven high-quality air defense system batteries. These batteries are necessary to launch missiles and protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks. There was hope among allies that Spain could contribute as Ukraine strives to defend itself against Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion.
Meanwhile, Athens is also declining to commit to providing a system due to its security concerns regarding Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in an interview on Skai TV that Greece will not be sending S-300 or Patriot systems to Ukraine. Recent reports in Greek media suggested the possibility of an exchange deal, where the United States would replace either a Patriot system in Athens or an idle Soviet-era S-300 system in Crete, so that they could be sent to Ukraine. Mitsotakis explained that Greece cannot fulfill this request, as these systems are crucial for their deterrent capability.
Germany, on the other hand, has promised Ukraine three Patriot batteries and has been leading efforts to persuade countries to donate their unused systems. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed his expectation for countries to make the pledge and expressed his confusion over the refusal of countries like Spain and Greece. On Friday, approximately 50 countries will participate in a videoconference led by the United States to discuss coordinating further military aid. In addition to Spain, Greece, and Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland possess Patriot systems in their inventories.