France and Germany to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
France and Germany will provide Ukraine with more air defense systems and will cooperate more closely in the security sphere, according to The Guardian and AFP.
According to reports, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron made a statement following the 25th Franco-German Council of Ministers in Toulon.
The joint statement includes a commitment to start a strategic dialogue on nuclear deterrence and broader coordination of the two countries’ security policies.
Regarding Ukraine, it includes a commitment to provide more air defense systems.
"France and Germany will provide additional air defence to Ukraine," the statement reads.
It also notes that "despite intensive international diplomatic efforts, Russia shows no intention to end its war of aggression against Ukraine."
Air defense systems for Ukraine
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine at the expense of US NATO allies.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin is ready to provide two Patriot systems, but only on the condition of a rapid replacement of the equipment.
On August 1 of this year, Germany announced the transfer of two Patriot systems to Ukraine. Initially, this involves supplying the launchers in the first phase. In the second phase, Berlin will deliver the other components of the systems over the next 2–3 months.
Norway has also allocated around $700 million for Patriot systems for Ukraine.
