🇩🇪 The German government is working on the possibility of transferring additional U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. Berlin is awaiting a decision from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the release of two systems that Germany could then hand over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Source: Bukvy
📨 The request was sent several weeks ago, but Berlin fears a potential denial, considering President Trump’s suspension of parts of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
🗓️ During the June 4 meeting of the Ramstein Contact Group, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reaffirmed support for Ukraine, particularly in the area of air defense.
📉 Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had suspended the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, including those already stationed in Poland. PBS added that the freeze affected PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, HIMARS munitions, NASAMS, and F-16s.
📞 Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has requested talks with U.S. counterparts to clarify the status of deliveries. The ministry noted that some public comments in Ukraine may not reflect the full picture.
🗣️ In response, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce denied a complete aid freeze, emphasizing that Washington continues to support Ukraine.
📊 According to Defence Express, as of April, Ukraine had seven Patriot systems. President Zelensky stated that at least ten are needed, a point he reportedly raised with Trump during a private conversation at Pope Francis’s funeral.
🌍 The U.S. also plans to transfer one Patriot system from Israel to Ukraine after maintenance. Negotiations are ongoing for another system from Germany or Greece, and Washington is also pressuring Athens to transfer air defense systems currently deployed in Saudi Arabia.
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