NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed that the Patriot air defense systems promised to Ukraine at the Washington summit in July 2024 have either already been delivered or will be handed over in the near future. In an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel Mi-Ukraina, Rutte noted that the alliance seeks to minimize the time between decisions on military assistance and its actual delivery. According to him, at the summit, the allies committed to providing Kyiv with seven Patriot systems, and this process is in the final stage. The Secretary General's statement underscores NATO's determination to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities in the context of the ongoing conflict.

Patriot systems, capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, are a key element in protecting cities, critical infrastructure and civilians. The alliance's Secretary General stressed that support for Ukraine remains a priority for NATO, and the supply of modern weapons is part of a long-term strategy to ensure the country's security.

According to the Associated Press, in July 2024, the United States, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, and Italy agreed to supply five additional Patriot batteries, as well as components for another battery. Italy also committed to providing the SAMP/T system. These measures were a response to the increased frequency of Russian strikes. As Reuters notes, in early 2025, NATO took over management of logistics hubs in Poland to ensure uninterrupted delivery of aid to Ukraine, which accelerated the transfer of weapons.