The US has continuously supported Ukraine with defense tech and financial support in its ongoing war against Russia. This support has grown even stronger after US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday, Dec. 21, that his administration will give Ukraine the Patriot missile battery during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's White House visit.
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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 21: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (L) presents a medal from a Ukrainian soldier to U.S. President Joe Biden during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on December 21, 2022 in Washington, DC.
"Unequivocal and Unbending Support"
NBC News reports that Biden vowed "unequivocal and unbending support" to Ukraine as it reels in the winter season.
The US President noted that he was not concerned that his decision would exacerbate tensions with Russia since it is a "defensive weapon system," intended to fire down incoming attacks.
In addition, he criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for attacking civilians, claiming that Putin wants the war to continue while he and Zelenskyy want to end it.
The public display of support for Ukraine was held before a significant change in Washington that will place Republicans in command of the House of Representatives, where some GOP members have voiced concerns about the billions of dollars spent on the US's military support to Kyiv.
It also comes at the heels of Russia seeking to reclaim the upper hand in the raging war. Moscow's forces have so far attacked Ukraine's civilian power grid, rendering most cities with no electricity during the winter.
Biden said that Russia is using the winter as a "weapon" against Ukrainian civilians.
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All About the Patriot System
Ground-based radar is used by the highly mobile Patriot system to detect and track threats from the air. The system was initially designed to shoot down aircraft, but since it has evolved, it is now capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles.
Each Patriot system battery can contain up to eight launchers, each of which can hold four to sixteen missiles, depending on the type of munition used, according to Interesting Engineering.
Even though the operational crew of the Patriot system only consists of three individuals, the US military deploys 90 troops for a battery, including maintenance personnel and communication specialists.
A Patriot missile may be launched at targets up to 100 miles (24,000 m) away and can reach heights of up to 79,000 feet (160 km). The system is effective at neutralizing aircraft as well as ballistic and cruise missiles.
The Ukrainians are expected to need six to eight weeks of training in Europe, and it will take them a full 10 months before they are fully capable of using the system.
Zelenskyy has previously asked the US to provide Patriot air defense systems as Russia continues to unleash missile attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
His visit appears to be fruitful since Biden has heeded his request.
Zelenskyy expressed "all my appreciation" to Biden and the American people during his first travel outside of Ukraine since Russia's invasion ten months ago.
Additionally, Zelenskyy presented Biden with a military medal that he said a Ukrainian soldier wanted him to have.
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