Germany is exploring the possibility of purchasing several Patriot air defense systems from the United States for Ukraine, the government spokesman in Berlin said on Friday Stefan Kornelius. TASR informs according to the DPA report.
A spokesman for the German government declared this after Russia escalated on Friday night its aerial attacks on Ukraine, including the metropolis of Kiev.
Asked by the reports that the government in Berlin addressed Washington in connection with the agreement on new anti -missile systems, Kornelius said he could “confirm that there are actually more intensive discussions in this matter”.
The United States has reduced support
The United States, which has been the largest military supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of a large Russian invasion in 2022, announced on Tuesday that they will stop the supply of some key weapons to Ukraine. According to US media, the Patriot missile systems, which Ukraine deployed to protect against Russian attacks, were among the items.
Moscow has intensified the rocket and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks. This is related to the fact that the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump supports Ukraine less than the previous administration.
German officials were particularly concerned about the impact of the possible stopping of the supply of Patriot and ammunition systems, the German daily Bild said on Thursday, according to which Berlin negotiated with US officials on an agreement that would include the purchase of weapons on behalf of Kiev and their subsequent delivery to Ukraine.
Have the problem of the systems to get
Germany is waiting for US Minister Defense Minister Pete Hegsetha to be a request for two Patriot units, which was filed “a few weeks ago”, Bild added.
Ukraine has long emphasized the need to improve its air defense, even through a larger number of Patriot systems, but has a problem with their acquisition, writes AFP.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Greenable in April said his government wants to buy at least ten Patriot systems to defend against Russian attacks.