Iran Press/America: The US is finalizing plans to send the Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, agreeing to one of the Ukrainian officials’ top requests, a US official confirmed Tuesday.
Ground-based air defense systems such as Raytheon Technology Corp's (RTX.N) Patriot are built to intercept incoming missiles.
Several American media outlets reported earlier in the day that the US plan to provide at least one Patriot missile battery to Ukraine could be announced as soon as this week.
The reports said the plan needs approval from President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The Biden administration has declined to confirm the matter on the record.
Austin, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had a joint meeting with their Ukrainian counterparts Tuesday, according to the official.
Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said during a press conference that the US is actively working with Ukraine on the country’s security needs but declined to confirm the reports. The State Department issued similar comments. 219
