Pentagon to train Ukrainian forces on Patriot systems

WORLD, Dec. 22 (YPA) – A senior Pentagon official announced that the US Department of Defence will soon begin training Ukrainian forces on the use of “Patriot” systems, as the training takes several months.

CNN quoted the official as saying: “the training would begin “very soon” and the Department of Defence was considering “multiple options” on the country where the exercises would be held.

US authorities are looking to shorten the training period “so that it takes the shortest possible period”, he said, but because of the complexity of the system, it “will take several months”.

He added that Ukraine would use Patriot missiles “to intercept missiles or aircraft that pose a threat to its population and forces.”

“We expect the system to be used as a defensive system,” he said, adding that he did not know when the systems would be delivered to Kiev.

The official noted that “there is no magic recipe” in the field of air defence and that the goal is to help Ukraine apply a “multi-layered and integrated approach” to air defense.

He stressed Washington’s firm position according to which the United States will hand over the Patriot system to Ukraine despite Russia’s statements.

E.M