Slovakia gives preliminary approval for transferring S-300 air defense system to Ukraine – media
Two sources have said Slovakia could receive U.S. manufactured Patriot air defense systems to replace its S-300 air defense systems.
CNN has reported that Germany and the Netherlands have already publicly announced that they are sending Patriots to Slovakia. However, integrating a new, complex air defense system into a country's existing military architecture, as well as training its forces to use it, can take time, one source familiar with the matter cautioned.
Earlier on Wednesday, CNN reported that a number of Soviet-made air defense systems had already been sent to Ukraine, including Osa (U.S. and NATO classification – SA8).
Meanwhile, among U.S. allies, Bulgaria and Greece, also use the S-300 air defense systems, CNN said.
On Wednesday, in a video address to the U.S. Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky again urged Washington to establish a "humanitarian" no-fly zone over his country, and, if this is not possible, to supply Kyiv with air defense systems, such as the S-300.
Later in the day, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the provision of additional military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $800 million. In particular, Biden said that among the assistance provided by the United States are 800 anti-aircraft units, including long-range air defense systems.
