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US and Germany Discuss Urgent Patriot Missile Transfer to Strengthen Ukraine’s Air Defenses
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German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed the delivery of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine during a meeting on July 14 in Washington.
The two ministers agreed to “quickly and quietly” address the issues surrounding the transfer of these advanced defense systems to Ukraine, which is currently under immense pressure from Russian aggression.
Pistorius emphasized the critical role the United States plays in the collective security of Europe, while highlighting that Germany is prepared to shoulder “a large responsibility for deterrence and defense of Europe,” reports German DW outlet.
He added that Germany intends to increase its defense spending to 3.5% of its GDP by 2029, underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening European defense.
In the context of the Patriot systems, Pistorius said, “We will make our contribution, but it’s clear that everyone must open their wallets to some degree,” referring to the necessity for quick mobilization of funds to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
He also reiterated the dire need for Ukraine to bolster its defense against continuous Russian missile and drone attacks.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed his commitment to sending additional Patriot systems to Ukraine. During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on July 14, Trump stated that several countries, including NATO members, will be involved in providing these advanced systems to Ukraine.
Trump hinted at a broader effort to support Ukraine, saying, “Ukraine will receive a huge amount of military equipment: air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition,” confirming that the US will facilitate the transfer of the weapons through NATO countries.
He also warned that the US would implement “secondary tariffs” on Russia if a peace agreement was not reached within 50 days, which European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called “a very long time”.
“If we don’t have an agreement within 50 days, there will be secondary tariffs, and they will be at a 100% level,” Trump declared.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also emphasized his country’s crucial role in the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine. He noted, “I assured President Trump that Germany will make a decisive contribution,” DW reports.
Merz added that Germany’s involvement is not only in Ukraine’s interest but also in Germany’s own security interests, aiming to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian bombings.
According to Merz, this contribution will exert greater pressure on Moscow, ultimately leading to a peace agreement. “We show that we are uniting our efforts as security policy partners. We will quickly finalize the details,” he added.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had also confirmed that he had been in contact with several countries, including Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and Canada, to coordinate military support for Ukraine.
The delivery of the Patriot systems comes at a crucial time for Ukraine, which continues to face intense pressure from Russian missile and drone strikes.
Earlier, it was reported that Germany has committed to producing long-range weapons for Ukraine, with the first systems expected to be delivered by the end of July.
