The Supreme Council of National Defence has called for the transfer of the Patriot SAM system to Ukraine.

This is stated on the official website of the Romanian President.

The relevant decision was made at a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defence (Consiliului Suprem de Apărare a Țării) on June 20.

The meeting discussed the deteriorating security situation on Romania’s eastern borders as a result of Russia’s intensified actions.

The meeting participants noted the consequences and risks that Russia’s aggressive actions pose for the region, in particular for the Republic of Moldova, as well as for European and Euro-Atlantic security.

During the meeting, the Romanian Ministry of National Defense presented a detailed analysis of the operational status of the four Patriot systems, the progress of the program to equip the other three systems, their operational significance at the national and allied levels, and the impact of a possible transfer of one of the systems.

Considering the significant deterioration of the security situation in Ukraine due to Russia’s persistent and massive attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, especially energy infrastructure, and the regional implications of this situation, in particular for Romania’s security, in close coordination with Allies, the Council members decided to provide Ukraine with the Patriot system.

This transfer is subject to Romania’s continuing negotiations with Allies, including the United States, to obtain a similar or equivalent system to protect its national airspace.

“Romania’s position is and will remain unequivocal in its multidimensional support for Ukraine, together with the international community, in its legitimate right to self-defense in the face of illegal and unprovoked Russian aggression,” the statement said.

It is worth noting that the Romanian Armed Forces are operators of the latest versions of the PAC-2 GEM-T and Patriot PAC-3 MSE.

Militarnyi reported in May that Romania was open to discussing the possibility of providing Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems.

Although Romania only has one battery in operation, Iohannis said the discussions concerned another nearly operational battery.