Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said he is ready to discuss the possibility of transferring the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said he is ready to discuss the possibility of transferring the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
The final decision can be taken only after consultation with the High Security Council of the country.
Iohannis pointed out that supplies to Ukraine should not affect Romania's security, meaning Bucharest should get something in return.
The Romanian president expressed his position on the issue of Patriot supplies to Ukraine at a press conference after his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington.
"Obviously, Ukraine needs advanced air defense systems. In this regard, there has been quite an intense discussion in recent weeks about who can provide the Patriot systems to Ukraine. President Biden has also raised this issue. I said that I am open to discussion," Klaus Iohannis said.
The Romanian president stressed that all issues related to supplies to Ukraine should be discussed with the country's Supreme Security Council (CSAT).
"I will have to discuss with CSAT how we can solve the problem, what we can provide and what we can get in return, because in my opinion it is unacceptable that Romania remains defenseless," he said.
According to the Financial Times, Ukrainian authorities have asked not only Romania, but also Poland and Spain to supply Patriot systems.
All three countries have refused to provide Ukraine with these systems, citing the "need to preserve their defense capabilities".
We are talking about a total of 7 Patriot systems. /BGNES
