Romania's Bold Move: Patriot Missile Defense System Donation to Ukraine

Romania's coalition government approved a draft law to donate a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. As a NATO member, Romania shares a border with Ukraine and has faced the impact of Russian drone incursions. The donation awaits parliamentary approval and will be replaced by allies with a similar system.

Romania's coalition government set a significant precedent by approving a draft law on Monday to donate a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine. The draft law has been forwarded to parliament for a final vote.

Romania, a NATO ally since 2004, shares a 650-km border with Ukraine and has repeatedly endured Russian drone incursions as Moscow targets Ukrainian ports along the Danube River. In June, Bucharest announced its intention to donate one of its two operational Patriot systems to Ukraine, contingent upon replacement by other NATO allies.

Government spokesman Mihai Constantin confirmed that the plan would become operational following parliamentary consent. The draft law also includes provisions for Romania to engage with the U.S. to secure a replacement system, expected to incur approximately $60 million in taxes and fees. Romania signed a monumental $4 billion contract with RTX Corp for these systems in 2017, marking its largest procurement to date.

(With inputs from agencies.)