German Chancellor discloses timeline for Patriot transfers to Ukraine
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Ukraine will receive Patriot air defense systems within the coming weeks. Discussions are currently underway between the defense ministries of Germany and the United States to finalize the details, stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, n-tv reports.
He stated that there needs to be clarity on how the US will replace the weapons systems being transferred by European countries.
"In recent days, we reached an agreement that new Patriot systems will be delivered to Ukraine from Europe, and that these systems will then be replaced by the US. Because we must also maintain our own defense capabilities," Merz said.
He suggested that defense ministers would soon agree on a replacement scheme.
"This is not a matter of hours. It’s a matter of days, possibly weeks, before the systems are delivered to Ukraine," the German chancellor added.
Patriot deliveries to Ukraine
Recently, US President Donald Trump announced that 17 Patriot air defense systems are being prepared for delivery to Ukraine. According to him, they are expected to arrive within days.
Reuters reported that US allies learned about Trump’s plan only after the public announcement. The key question now is who will supply the Patriot batteries and when.
Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker said Ukraine could eventually receive between 12 and 13 Patriot batteries, though full delivery might take up to a year.
Trump has claimed that the first Patriot systems are already being shipped to allies, suggesting that Ukraine will receive them soon.
However, the German government has denied the US President's statement that Patriot air defense systems are already being delivered to Ukraine.
