Paying customers have to wait. Biden and Obama see that Ukraine is near the end. The Russians are massing for a huge offensive, and Ukraine is not ready and will not be ready for what is to come.
The White House disclosed on Thursday its decision to expedite the dispatch of air defense interceptor missiles to Ukraine, repurposing allocations initially designated for other allied nations. This move aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against escalating Russian assaults on its energy infrastructure. John Kirby, a national security spokesperson, indicated that this reallocation involves delaying scheduled foreign military sales to unspecified countries.
US halting exports of Patriot missiles to supply Ukraine with all monthly production is an act of desperation/futility.
US only makes 500-550 missiles a year.
Russia fires over 4,000 missiles at Ukraine over the same period, exhausting Western air defense capabilites. pic.twitter.com/ngWXdfXWix
— Brian Berletic (@BrianJBerletic) June 20, 2024
Kirby emphasized the urgency of this support during a press briefing, noting that the situation in Ukraine demands immediate enhancement of its defensive capabilities. He acknowledged the necessity for more support, stating that the aid was imperative and needed without delay.
This strategy adjustment aligns with comments made by President Joe Biden at the recent Group of Seven meeting in Italy. Biden had forewarned that countries expecting future deliveries of air defense systems from the U.S. would experience delays. He stressed that the immediate focus would be on meeting Ukraine’s critical needs, with assurances to fulfill postponed commitments to other nations subsequently.
The United States will only ship interceptor missiles for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine, not the systems themselves, US National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said during an online briefing:https://t.co/zX6AlU7cTQ pic.twitter.com/zbl6mV6XvQ
— TASS (@tassagency_en) June 21, 2024
The U.S. has consistently supplied Ukraine with interceptors for air defense systems like the Patriot missile batteries and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS). However, Kirby highlighted the need for a significant increase in these supplies as Russia intensifies its missile and drone attacks aimed at crippling Ukraine’s urban centers and infrastructure, particularly targeting the energy sector to cause disruptions before winter.
In the middle of this backdrop, Russia has continued its heavy bombardment of Ukraine’s power grid, while Ukrainian forces retaliate by targeting Russian oil facilities with drone strikes. Each side aims to weaken the other’s logistical capabilities to sustain military operations.
Although Kirby did not specify the exact number of interceptors to be sent, he mentioned that the quantity might reach into the hundreds. He outlined a plan where Ukraine would receive priority shipments of these systems as they become available over the next 16 months, ensuring substantial defensive support during this period.
The U.S. diverts air defense missile deliveries to Ukraine https://t.co/4Iqj8dL6Jd
— The Hill (@thehill) June 20, 2024
After this phase, countries that experienced delays in their orders due to this shift will begin to receive their originally planned deliveries. Kirby reassured that this redirection of resources would not impact Taiwan or its ongoing needs for self-defense against potential threats from China.
Regarding the international reaction to these adjustments, Kirby conveyed that the affected countries exhibited a broad understanding of the necessity for this shift. They recognized the critical and urgent defense needs of Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The Biden Administration and Nato intend on the war continuing until the last Ukrainian male is still alive. This might not be long after all.
Major Points
- The White House is fast-tracking air defense interceptor missiles to Ukraine, redirecting shipments originally planned for other allies.
- National security spokesman John Kirby emphasized the urgent need for Ukraine to bolster its air defenses against escalating Russian attacks.
- President Joe Biden had previously warned at a G7 meeting that countries expecting air defense systems would face delays as priorities shift to Ukraine.
- The U.S. plans to prioritize Ukraine for the next 16 months, ensuring significant defensive support with possibly hundreds of interceptors.
- The reallocation of missile systems will not affect Taiwan’s defense needs against China, and affected nations have shown understanding of the situation.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
