Germany consents delivering Patriots to Ukraine
(MENAFN) Germany has agreed to send more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine “as quickly as possible,” German officials confirmed on Monday. The move reportedly follows an understanding with the United States, after former President Donald Trump stated that U.S. military support for Ukraine would continue only if European NATO members cover the costs.
While some NATO countries have pledged to help arm Ukraine, others—such as France, Hungary, and Italy—have declined, citing domestic priorities and limited resources.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Berlin will transfer five Patriots from its existing arsenal, even though officials had previously claimed that Germany’s stocks were insufficient to support further donations. The U.S. has reportedly agreed to replace those systems with units initially intended for Switzerland, though those are not expected to be delivered until 2027–2028.
Pistorius noted that coordination with allies will continue in the coming days to work out the logistics. He also said Germany will supply air defense ammunition and finance Ukrainian-made long-range drones.
Berlin has already delivered three of its 12 Patriot systems to Ukraine. Two more are deployed in Poland, while the rest are used for NATO missions and training purposes. That leaves Germany with only six Patriots currently operational.
The government has not provided a specific timeline for when Ukraine will receive the new systems.
Germany’s expanded military aid has sparked criticism at home. Opposition leaders argue that billions are being spent on Ukraine while urgent domestic issues remain unresolved. Meanwhile, although Kyiv has prioritized Patriots in its defense requests, reports suggest the systems have underperformed in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Russia claimed on Monday to have destroyed three Patriot launchers in Ukraine.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned Western arms shipments to Kyiv, asserting that they escalate the war without changing its outcome.
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