Despite a concerted effort by allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in the face of intensifying Russian aerial attacks, Greece and Spain have opted not to provide air defense systems to Kyiv. While Germany has been proactive in supplying three Patriot batteries to Ukraine, and pressuring other nations to follow suit, the Greek and Spanish governments have cited national security concerns as the reason for their refusal.
Greece, dealing with its own regional security challenges, particularly its delicate relationship with Turkey, has maintained its stance of not parting with its S-300 or Patriot systems. “Greece is not going to send S-300 or Patriot to Ukraine,” stated Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, emphasizing that these systems are “critical to our deterrent capability.”
Similarly, Spain, while acceding to the request for missile ammunition to support existing air defense systems in Ukraine, has drawn the line at relocating any of its Patriot batteries. A Spanish defense ministry statement indicated that the country would contribute a modest number of missiles, but not the actual launchers. As explained by government sources, the quantity of missiles to be sent will be constrained by the limited stock in Spain’s war reserve, which totals about 50 units.
The decisions by Athens and Madrid come as a blow to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s aspirations for strengthening the country’s air defenses. Zelenskyy has highlighted the necessity for at least seven high-grade air defense system batteries to effectively shield Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure from Russian bombardments. Even though Spain has agreed to dispatch missiles to aid existing systems in Ukraine, this falls short of the comprehensive defense strategy envisioned by Zelenskyy and his military advisors.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has publicly expressed confusion over the reluctance of nations like Spain and Greece to donate unused systems, given the pressing need on the Ukrainian front. The dynamic of these donations has significant strategic implications for the defense posturing in the region. As NATO and EU leaders ramp up calls for member states to supply more air defense systems to Ukraine, the resistance by some countries underscores the complex interplay of national security interests and alliance solidarity.
Relevant articles:
– Greece, Spain will refuse to send Ukraine air defense systems, politico.eu, 04/26/2024
– Spain to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, El Pais reports, Kathimerini English Edition, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:04:48 GMT
– After NATO, EU pressure, Spain to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, Al Mayadeen English, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:38:43 GMT
– El Pais: Spain to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, Kyiv Independent, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:20:07 GMT
– Greece refuses to provide Ukraine with Patriot systems despite EU and NATO pressure, Yahoo! Voices, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 22:33:00 GMT