Germany to contribute to delivery of 5 Patriots to Kiev
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The renewed military commitment comes as Russia intensifies its aerial operations in Ukraine.
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FILE - A Patriot missile mobile launcher is displayed outside the Fort Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., US, on March 21, 2023 (AP Photo/Sean Murphy, File)
Germany has formally joined a US-driven initiative to strengthen Ukraine's air defense network, pledging to help deliver five Patriot missile systems in coordination with Washington and other European allies. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the move on Monday during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held shortly after his discussions in Washington with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
"Last week, I agreed with [US Defense Secretary] Pete Hegseth during my visit to Washington that Germany would participate in the supply of five urgently needed Patriot systems as soon as possible," Pistorius said. "How exactly we will achieve this is a question that we will discuss in the coming days in close cooperation and in the spirit of mutual trust between the partners."
Aerial escalation
The renewed military commitment comes as Russia intensifies its aerial operations in Ukraine. Just hours before the Contact Group convened, Moscow launched one of its largest airstrikes on Kiev in recent months, damaging critical infrastructure. The assault underscored the urgency behind the Patriot shipments, which Germany and other allies are attempting to fast-track by reallocating systems already in Europe.
In addition to Patriot batteries, Berlin and London are teaming up to deliver 220,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for Ukraine's Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. Pistorius also confirmed that "in the coming days, Germany-funded drones will arrive in Ukraine to allow Kiev to launch strikes deep into Russia," expanding Kiev's long-range capabilities.
Patriot divide
The broader package of weapons is part of a larger initiative championed by US President Donald Trump, who stated on July 14: "It's a very big deal. Billions of dollars worth of military equipment" will be sent to Ukraine, but "with costs covered by Europe." The burden-sharing model has drawn mixed reactions from NATO members. While countries like Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have made notable contributions, others, such as France, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, have declined to participate in the Patriot effort.
Compounding the diplomatic friction, Russia announced on Monday that its forces had destroyed three Patriot launchers already deployed in Ukraine. Moscow continues to condemn Western arms deliveries as escalatory and illegal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that "any weapons destined for Ukraine will be treated as legitimate military targets."
Read more: Zelensky proposes new peace talks with Russia next week
The move to supply more Patriots follows increasing concern among NATO allies over Ukraine's vulnerability to Russian missile barrages. NATO's top commander has reportedly called for the systems to be moved "as quickly as possible" into position to counter intensified Russian air campaigns.
