Germany has offered to acquire U.S. Patriot systems specifically to transfer them to Ukraine, which has recently endured some of the war’s most intense Russian attacks.
Speaking from Washington, Pistorius confirmed that working-level talks would continue to finalize agreement details, including the precise number of launchers and missiles, according to Reuters. With a deal secured, he added, the first Patriot unit could arrive in Ukraine within months. Pistorius declined to comment on whether their discussions extended to offensive weapons for Kyiv.
Germany has already donated three of its own Patriot systems to Kyiv, retaining nine systems. This number significantly contrasts with the 36 Patriot batteries Germany operated during the height of the Cold War.
The decision was made after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would exit the Mine Ban Treaty in an effort to create parity between the country and Russia regarding weapons.
