DEFENSE – Romania will donate a Patriot system to Ukraine. The decision was taken by the country’s Supreme Defense Council in Thursday’s session. The move is a carry-over of negotiations, particularly with the American partners, with a view to obtaining a similar or equivalent system that should respond to the security needs of Romanian airspace. The decision was based on a comprehensive technical assessment, while all measures have been taken to eliminate the risk of new threats for Romania, the Presidency reports. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Romania, arguing the Patriot system will help consolidate Ukraine’s air defenses as well as security across Europe. The Supreme Defense Council also approved Romania’s goal for the NATO Summit in Washington next month. The Summit is expected to reassert trans-Atlantic unity, report progress towards consolidating NATO’s deterrence and defense posture as well as express greater commitment towards Ukraine while preserving the Alliance’s commitment towards vulnerable partners. On the sidelines of the Council meeting, president Klaus Iohannis informed his NATO allies that he has withdrawn his candidacy for NATO Secretary General. Council members voted to back the candidacy of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
