Germany sends another Patriot system to Ukraine

"In connection with the further increase in the number of Russian air strikes on Ukraine, the German government has decided to further strengthen Ukrainian air defense," N-TV quoted the German Defense Ministry as saying.

Earlier, according to N-TV, the German Armed Forces have already provided Ukraine with two Patriot missile launchers.

Updated 16:45.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and thanked him for Patriot.

"I am grateful to the Chancellor for the decision to supply another additional Patriot system to Ukraine and missiles to the existing air defense systems. Thank you, Olaf, for your leadership! This is a real manifestation of support for Ukraine at a critical time for us. I call on all other leaders of partner countries to follow suit," the President wrote on his Telegram channel.

Air defense systems for Ukraine

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine has been working to strengthen its air defense, calling on partners to transfer their systems capable of shooting down Russian missiles and drones.

However, Ukraine's need for air defense has become more acute with the resumption of Russian attacks on energy facilities. Germany promised to help Ukraine find air defense systems. According to Berlin, the German government will review its stockpile and look around the world for systems that could be sent to Ukraine.

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 25 Patriot systems are needed to completely block the Ukrainian sky from Russian drones and missiles.

According to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine has already found 100 free Patriot systems in the world, but first wants to get 7 of them. However, as the minister noted, Ukraine's priority is not only Patriot, but also Samp-T systems, which are also capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.

Today, according to Kuleba, Ukraine is negotiating to receive two Patriot batteries and one Samp-T battery.