Germany seeks Patriot deal with US to support Ukraine - Bild
Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is working on transferring new air defense systems to Ukraine. The German government plans to sign an agreement with the United States to purchase Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, funded by Berlin, according to the German outlet Bild.
A few weeks ago, Germany sent a request to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Berlin is awaiting a commitment from the United States to transfer two Patriot missile systems to Germany, which would be financed by the German government.
The issue is that Ukraine had already attempted to purchase air defense systems directly from the US, but was unsuccessful. As a result, Kyiv turned to Germany for assistance.
However, according to Bild, it remains unclear how the recent halt in US military aid to Ukraine might affect Germany's plans. Given recent decisions by the US government, Berlin fears Washington could refuse to transfer the Patriot systems intended for Ukraine.
The article notes, "It has become clear that the loss of US weapon supplies cannot be compensated. Nevertheless, Germany and other allies now want to at least try to equip Ukraine with Patriot systems from their own stocks."
The US halts weapons deliveries to Ukraine
On the evening of July 1, Western media reported that the United States had suspended part of its arms deliveries to Ukraine. The White House later confirmed the move, citing that US national interests are currently the top priority.
According to reports, the suspension includes artillery ammunition, portable Stinger MANPADS, and Patriot and Hellfire missiles. The Wall Street Journal also noted that some of the affected weaponry was already located in Poland.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that working-level talks with the US are ongoing to clarify the situation. Meanwhile, in Russia, news of the suspension was met with widespread celebration.
