NATO allies promised Ukraine five long-range air defense systems in a new show of support, even as leaders refused to offer the country a path to membership. New analyses suggest the conflict with Russia is heading for an indefinite stalemate.
The announcement was intended as a show of unity in the face of a stepped-up air campaign by President Vladimir Putin’s forces. It also drew attention to the challenge facing allies in finding military aid: Tuesday’s pledge reiterated some of the commitments made in recent weeks.
In a speech to NATO leaders on Tuesday night, US President Joe Biden called the air defense systems a “historic donation,” which would be accompanied by dozens of shorter-range systems and missiles. The US, Germany and Romania are each sending a Patriot system, while a fourth is being assembled from components from the Netherlands and others. Italy is sending a SAMP-T system.
