European nations with Patriot missiles hesitate to give the air defense systems to Ukraine

By LORNE COOK
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries possessing Patriot air defense systems appear reluctant to give any to Ukraine. The country is desperately seeking at least seven of the missile batteries to help fend off Russian air attacks. At a meeting on Monday of EU foreign and defense ministers, countries with Patriots preferred to focus on the money they are spending to help Ukraine. Only Germany has come forward with a single Patriot missile battery in answer to Ukraine’s latest request. A key advantage of the U.S.-made systems, apart from their effectiveness, is that Ukrainian troops are already trained to use them.