The Greek government has reportedly denied a New York Times report suggesting that Greece may provide Ukraine with a U.S.-made Patriot air-defense system to aid in its defense against Russian attacks.
“There is no discussion of Greece supplying a Patriot system to Ukraine,” government sources reportedly told to To Vima. The denial came after The New York Times reported that Western allies were discussing logistics for either Germany or Greece to transfer a Patriot system to Ukraine. The Greek response was categorical, recalling a similar situation involving S-300 missiles that ultimately did not proceed.
Despite Greece’s alleged disinvolvement, Ukraine is still expected to receive additional Patriot systems. According to four current and former U.S. officials cited by The New York Times, a Patriot battery previously stationed in Israel will be refurbished and delivered to Ukraine by this summer. Two of the officials said the system is an older model.
Ukraine currently possesses eight Patriot systems, though only six are operational. The remaining two are under refurbishment. With the upcoming delivery from Israel and a possible donation from another ally—likely Germany—Ukraine could soon field ten Patriot systems in total, primarily to defend Kyiv.
Germany and Greece jointly own about 15 Patriot systems, according to international defense data cited by the Times. While Greece has denied any role, Germany has not publicly commented on the matter.
The New York Times noted that the U.S. officials who disclosed the information did so on condition of anonymity and did not describe former President Donald Trump’s position on the transfers. James Hewitt, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said, “President Trump has been clear: he wants the war in Ukraine to end and the killing to stop,” while adding that the council does not comment on the deployment specifics of defense systems.
The transfer discussions come a year after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested seven Patriot systems from allies.