Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced a joint initiative with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius calling on EU partners to evaluate their air defense inventories and consider transferring available systems to Ukraine.
According to European Pravda on June 30, the proposal was outlined during Wadephul’s visit to Kyiv, where he held a press conference with Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The German official emphasized the need for additional air defense capabilities in light of intensified Russian aerial attacks across Ukrainian regions in recent weeks.
“We need more air defense systems capable of protecting Ukraine at all frequencies and altitudes,” Wadephul stated.
He added that Germany is working to expand its own industrial production but stressed that short-term needs require broader European coordination.
“We will use every available means. There is a joint letter from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and myself to our European partners, asking them to review whether all currently held systems are essential or if some can be transferred to Ukraine,” he said.
Germany has been one of the leading suppliers of advanced air defense to Ukraine, including IRIS-T and Patriot systems, and continues to advocate for collective EU efforts to address Ukraine’s urgent defense requirements.
Earlier on June 30, Germany’s new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Kyiv for the first time since taking office, reaffirming Berlin’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense and condemning Russia’s ongoing aggression.
