Germany seeks Patriot systems for Ukraine, ready to purchase them – Pistorius
According to an Ukrinform correspondent, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated this to journalists ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels on Wednesday.
"For months, we've been working actively on this. Germany has already handed over a quarter of its Patriot systems. I made it very clear to my colleagues last week that we cannot provide any more. But we are reaching out to the United States and other allies to supply Patriot or similar systems," Pistorius said, commenting on the potential delivery of new air defense systems to Ukraine.
He also added, "We also proposed to consider, on a case-by-case basis, the option of paying for systems delivered by other countries — because what matters now is speed. Waiting for manufacturer deliveries takes too long."
Pistorius stressed that strengthening and supporting Ukraine's air defense capabilities has been a priority from the beginning. In this context, he announced the relaunch of the Immediate Action on Air Defense Initiative aimed at enhancing Ukrainian air defenses.
"Last year, it had significant financial success — we managed to raise about one billion euros from partners. We aim to continue the Immediate Action on Air Defense Initiative, hoping for the same or even greater success," Pistorius said.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group — comprising around 50 nations providing military aid to Ukraine — is holding a meeting today in Brussels. Notably, for the first time since the group's establishment (in the Ramstein format), the U.S. Secretary of Defense will not be present.
Tomorrow, a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of defense ministers will be held at NATO headquarters.
