Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine won't stop despite Iran crisis, Germany says
Photo: Patriot air defense systems (Getty Images)
Germany promises a steady flow of Patriot missiles to Ukraine despite events in the Middle East and has called on other European countries to provide support to Kyiv, stated Maximilian Rasch, chargé d'affaires of the German Embassy in Ukraine, in response to a question from a journalist.
"Air defense is a key element for Ukraine. And despite the events in Iran and the Middle East, it is very important that Ukraine’s air defense remains stable," he emphasized.
Rasch said Germany will continue supplying Patriot missiles, noting that Berlin has provided more than any other country.
"No other country has delivered as many systems as we have. We have also provided other systems: IRIS-T, Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, and so on for air defense. We will continue. So there is a steady flow of missiles to replenish these Patriot systems," he said.
Support from other EU countries
Rasch also said which countries could contribute missiles in the future, given the situation in the Middle East. He stressed that Patriot systems are useless without missiles to fire.
"That is why Germany’s Defense Minister at the last Ramstein meeting in February asked partners to contribute. We ourselves said, yes, we will bring more missiles. Others followed this example," he explained.
The German diplomat did not name specific countries but emphasized that Europe has "enough Patriot missiles and systems."
"And if we combine our efforts, this will definitely be enough for Ukraine. So I think the key message is that no matter what happens in other parts of the world, it is extremely important that Ukraine receives the air defense it needs," Rasch added.
Germany, together with its allies, has assembled PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot systems, and they are already on their way to Ukraine. However, this aid package is not enough to significantly affect the frontline situation, as it is estimated to last roughly two weeks.
