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Merz: Ukraine Will Get Patriot Missiles Within Weeks, More Long-Range Weapons to Follow
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Ukraine will receive Patriot air defense systems within the coming weeks, with final arrangements currently being discussed at the level of defense ministries, according to Ukrinform on July 17.
Speaking at a joint press conference in London on July 17 alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Merz said:
“At this very hour, the ministries of defense are discussing the details of how we can ensure the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine in a short timeframe. This may take weeks. The talks are very specific, the American side is ready to move forward, but we do not yet have a final result.”
Merz suggested that agreements may be reached “in these very hours” between defense ministers that would make technically feasible what the US President has pledged.
“The United States is ready to provide Ukraine with weapons that are funded by European partners. Germany wants to make a significant contribution to this. We need to discuss the details with our partners as soon as possible,” he added.
The chancellor also recalled recent agreements to deliver new Patriot systems from Europe and Eastern Europe to Ukraine, with the understanding that these systems will later be replaced by the United States. Timing for this replacement, however, remains an open question.
“Above all, we need clarity on how the US will replenish the weapons systems transferred by Europe… Ultimately, we must also maintain our own defense capabilities,” Merz emphasized.
He also confirmed that Ukraine will receive further support “soon—in the coming weeks and months,” including long-range weaponry, as part of broader industrial cooperation between Germany and Ukraine. Merz declined to provide specific details or confirm whether Germany would supply Taurus missiles.
On the topic of US sanctions, Merz expressed hope that the US administration and Congress would soon adopt long-discussed measures, stating that such steps will increase pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin and demonstrate the joint security efforts of Europe and the United States.
Previously, it was reported that the US Department of Defense has notified Switzerland that deliveries of Patriot air defense systems will be delayed—because Ukraine comes first.
