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| Ukrainian soldiers walk past a Patriot air defense system. |
Germany announced on Friday that it is actively considering the purchase of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems to supply to Ukraine, as Russia ramps up aerial assaults and American military support declines.
A German government spokesperson confirmed that multiple
options are being explored to address the shortage of Patriot systems available
for Ukraine.
“There are several ways to cover the current shortfall in
Patriot systems,” said spokesperson Stefan Kornelius. “I can confirm that
intensive discussions on this matter are currently underway.”
Talks Between German and U.S. Leaders
According to Kornelius, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
held a phone call on Thursday with former U.S. President Donald Trump to
discuss ways to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The call reportedly
focused on bridging the gap left by the recent shift in U.S. policy. The
conversation was first reported by Der Spiegel and later confirmed by
official sources.
U.S. Pauses Weapon Shipments to Ukraine
Earlier this week, the United States — Ukraine’s largest
military backer since the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022 — announced a
pause in the delivery of certain arms shipments to Kyiv.
According to U.S. media outlets, the suspended shipments
include Patriot air defense missiles, which are vital for Ukraine to
intercept incoming Russian drone and missile strikes.
Russian Airstrikes Intensify Amid Waning U.S. Support
In recent weeks, Russia has escalated its air campaign on
Ukrainian territory, employing both missile barrages and drone warfare. This
surge in attacks coincides with a decline in direct U.S. military support
during the Trump administration, raising concerns among Western allies about
Ukraine's ability to defend its airspace without urgent reinforcements.
