Patriot priority and Japan's sanctions: 21 June 2024

What did allies do to bolster Ukraine's security around 21 June 2024? Two announcements, both reported on 20 June 2024, pointed in the same direction: more air defence for Kyiv and more pressure on those said to be helping Moscow.

As reported at the time, Ukraine was prioritised first among the countries due to receive ordered deliveries of MIM-104 Patriot missile systems from the United States. The decision placed Ukraine at the head of the queue for the systems.

On the same day, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced sanctions on firms based in China, India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The ministry cited their alleged support to Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Taken together, the two announcements showed support for Ukraine coming through different channels: the delivery of military equipment on one side, and restrictions on companies in several countries on the other.