Ukraine expects new air defence for nuclear sites by December after NATO talks

Serhiy Sydorenko, Alona Mazurenko — Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 16:15

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has announced successful negotiations with NATO countries regarding the supply of new air defence systems.

Source: Sybiha on the sidelines of a NATO ministerial meeting, as reported by European Pravda’s Brussels correspondent

The minister stated that in response to the escalation of Russian air attacks, "the efforts of the diplomatic service are focused on strengthening [Ukraine’s] air defence", and confirmed the previously reported information about "19 strategic facilities", including nuclear energy sites, that require protection.

Quote: "I informed our partners that Russia has targeted our nuclear energy infrastructure. Russia is provoking a nuclear incident with global consequences, which poses a significant danger not only to Ukraine – distance will not provide protection here," he explained.

He also noted that the new request includes NASAMS, IRIS-T and Hawk systems, which will be used to protect specific facilities. Ukraine has reached out to countries that possess these systems.

Quote: "Time is critical, and our goal is to have these systems delivered by the end of the year to protect specific sites. Our partners have asked for additional information, and we are providing it," Sybiha said.

He further informed that, in addition to bilateral talks, discussions also took place regarding air defence supplies for the protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure within the Ukraine-NATO Council framework. 

Quote: "I am grateful to Secretary General Mark Rutte, who dedicated a significant portion of the discussion to this issue," he said, expressing hope that the decisions Ukraine has requested will be made.

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