**Germany Denies Knowledge of Patriot Missile Deliveries to Ukraine**
In a surprising turn of events, Germany’s Defense Ministry has stated that it has no knowledge of any Patriot missile systems currently en route to Ukraine. This contradicts claims made by US President Donald Trump just days ago.
According to SRF, a Swiss public broadcaster, a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry said they could not confirm that anything was currently on its way to Ukraine. The spokesperson added that a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) is scheduled for July 21 to resolve outstanding questions and work toward implementing the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine “as quickly as possible.”
**Trump’s Claims Disputed**
US President Donald Trump had claimed just days ago that Patriot air defense missiles bound for Ukraine are already en route. He said, “They’re already being shipped,” and added that they were coming from Germany and then replaced by Germany. In all cases, the United States gets paid back in full.” However, German officials have denied any knowledge of such shipments.
**Ukraine’s Plea for Air Defense Systems**
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to press its allies for additional air defense systems amid a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks on cities across the country. The country has been requesting more Patriot systems to help protect itself from these attacks.
**A New Arrangement**
According to Trump, the shipments fall under a new arrangement where NATO and EU countries will purchase US-made weapons systems, deliver them to Ukraine, and later replenish their own stockpiles through agreements with Washington. This is part of a broader effort by the West to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
**A Timeline of Events**
* July 14: German government spokesperson confirms discussions are ongoing among European allies over providing more than three Patriot systems to Ukraine.
* July 16: Trump claims that Patriot air defense missiles bound for Ukraine are already en route.
* July 16: Germany’s Defense Ministry denies any knowledge of such shipments.
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