Netherlands to supply Ukraine another Patriot air defence system

Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced on Friday that the Netherlands, along with another country, will provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defence system, according to the Dutch news agency ANP.

Ollongren did not name the second country, adding that the announcement should be made by the other country itself.

The Netherlands will deliver the second Patriot system to Kiev this week, following the handover of one by Romania.

At the end of May, the Dutch government had announced that it would provide Ukraine with an anti-aircraft system, assembling it from various parts and supplying "core elements."

Ollongren urged European partner countries to also provide parts for Ukraine's air defence system.

Air defence is crucial for Ukraine as it is the only way to protect itself from continuous air attacks by Russia.