Biden awaits clarification
The decision about sending Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine remains unsettled as President Joe Biden weighs the steps with caution. According to a senior U.S. administration official cited by The Washington Post, the path forward is contingent on a thorough understanding of several key factors.
Biden is seeking clarity from the Pentagon on how air defense systems would operate in a wartime environment, the legal considerations involved, and what the move might mean for the readiness of American forces. The WP source noted that weapons would come from U.S. stockpiles rather than actively deployed units, underscoring the complexity of the transfer process.
Earlier reporting from CNN, based on its own sources, indicated that U.S. authorities had completed coordination of plans to move Patriot systems to Kyiv. Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder, however, told reporters on December 13 that he could not confirm any decision about supplying these air defense systems to Ukraine at that time.
Ukraine has repeatedly pressed to receive Patriot systems, but for a long period the proposal faced hesitation. Western experts have cited multiple concerns, including the risk of the system being hijacked by Russian forces, the possibility that sensitive technologies could fall into Moscow’s hands, and worries about the consequences for the global identification framework and broader escalation of the conflict. There was also a belief that fielding Patriot capabilities would require substantial time for Ukrainian crews to become proficient.
Court not yet established
John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council, said the administration is still reviewing a proposal to create a tribunal to investigate Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. He emphasized that the process is being examined carefully and that no definite steps are being announced yet.
Kirby added that the United States aims to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine and noted that several international investigations are already underway, with U.S. support in documentation and analysis. He stressed continued cooperation with these efforts.
Earlier remarks from Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, indicated that only the United Nations Security Council could establish an international court, highlighting the ongoing debate over jurisdiction and accountability on the international stage.
Finish by the end of the year
Kirby said that Washington does not anticipate ending the military conflict in Ukraine within the calendar year. He remarked that assessments from the ground and in the air in Ukraine point to ongoing hostilities for the foreseeable future. The Donbass region has seen persistent clashes, contributing to a broader sense of protracted tension in the region.
In his view, the conflict remains active and is likely to continue for some time. He also stressed that any decision about negotiations with Russia should be led by Ukraine rather than dictated by the United States, underscoring a stance of Ukrainian initiative on diplomacy.
Washington will continue to help
Karen Donfried, the State Department official responsible for European and Eurasian affairs, testified before the House Foreign Relations Committee that the Biden administration plans to unveil another package of military aid for Kyiv in the near term. She indicated that the package would be announced within the week, though she did not provide specifics about timing or the exact components of the aid.
The deputy assistant secretary did not disclose precise figures or the particular systems included, but she reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as it seeks to defend itself against aggression. The overall aim, she suggested, is to sustain Ukraine’s security and stability amidst ongoing tensions in the region.