Picture this: a group of Ukrainian soldiers, armed with a brand new Patriot missile battery, eagerly await the arrival of the defensive missile system that should be in Ukraine after Easter. After years of fighting and depleted weapons supplies, they are ready to take on the Russian forces and finally take back the occupied areas of the country.

But as they wait, the death toll from Russian missile strikes on eastern Ukraine’s city of Sloviansk rises, with rescue teams scrambling to recover bodies and help those trapped in the rubble. It’s like the Ukrainian soldiers are waiting for the delivery driver to arrive with their pizza while their house is on fire!

Thankfully, the soldiers have completed their training at Fort Sill, a U.S. Army post in Oklahoma, and have returned to Europe ready to learn more about the Patriot missile system. They will soon be equipped with six mobile launchers, a mobile radar, a power generator, and an engagement control center. Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Italy have also pledged to provide Ukraine with more missile systems.

The Ukrainian air force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, declined to give a specific timeline for the arrival of the Patriot missile system but promised that the public would know “as soon as the first Russian aircraft is shot down.” Oh boy, at this rate, they might be waiting until Christmas!

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law allowing military offices to send draft notices electronically instead of delivering them in person. The UK Defense Ministry is concerned that this is part of Russia’s preparation for a protracted war in Ukraine. With a unified registry of individuals eligible for military service, the Russian authorities can punish draft-dodgers by automatically limiting their employment rights and restricting their foreign travel. Looks like there’s nowhere to hide!

But the Ukrainians are not ones to back down from a fight. They are preparing for an expected spring counter-offensive, despite having depleted weapons supplies on both sides. They are determined to take back Bakhmut, the focus of the war’s longest battle so far, and prevent casualties like those in Sloviansk. One thing’s for sure – this won’t be an easy fight.

Let’s hope the Ukrainian soldiers receive their Patriot missile system soon and that they can put up a strong defense against those pesky Russians. As the saying goes, “When life gives you missiles, make Patriot missile batteries.”

Serious News: cnbc