Germany says can no longer give Ukraine Patriot defense systems
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Germany says that after it gave a quarter of its Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, it cannot give any more, asking others to pitch in.
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Patriot missiles are seen at the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, March 25, 2022, in Jasionka, Poland. (AP)
Germany will not be able to deliver more Patriot missile systems to Ukraine due to its limited capacities, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, Pistorius underlined that his country has given Ukraine a quarter of its Patriot systems.
"Germany has so far delivered two Patriot units to Ukraine and is in the process of delivering a third unit," Pistorius said. "We already provided three systems, which means a quarter of our capacities. So, there is no space to provide even more than those three systems."
The Defense minister emphasized Germany's significant contributions, though he suggested that other countries could potentially step in to provide additional support. "We delivered a lot, but others maybe can do more," he added.
Ukraine needs at least seven more Patriot systems
The announcement comes amid repeated calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for increased military assistance from Western allies.
Zelensky has particularly urged for more advanced air defense systems – among many other things – such as the Patriot, to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russia.
The Ukrainian president has indicated that Ukraine needs at least seven more Patriot systems or similar advanced air defense systems to effectively counter Russia.
Although Ukraine is asking for Patriots, they do not possess adequate systems to protect the unit properly, as two US-made Patriot systems were destroyed by a Russian Iskander missile defense system attack in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).
Large convoy of Ukrainian air defense systems destroyed by what looks like an Iskander.
— ayden (@squatsons) March 9, 2024
The system was originally labeled an S-300 but some sources are claiming Patriot.
Pokrovsk direction.
Update: it looks to be multiple Patriot launchers and a possible radar. pic.twitter.com/YQQwJsc4rf
