Ukraine proposes missile barter deal to Germany for Patriot systems — Bloomberg
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy – Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Ukraine has asked Germany to provide dozens of additional Patriot interceptor missiles from its stockpiles this year. Kyiv is offering Berlin a unique exchange arrangement aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defenses against Russian attacks, Bloomberg reports.
Details of the proposal and exchange arrangement
According to the outlet's sources, Ukraine has proposed a deal under which it would receive the scarce Patriot interceptor missiles immediately. In return, Kyiv would transfer to Germany missiles that are expected to be produced in the future.
The German government is currently reviewing the request and has not yet made a final decision. An official announcement from Berlin is expected shortly before or during the NATO summit in July.
A spokesperson for Germany's Ministry of Defense declined to comment, while a spokesperson for the Ukrainian president said more time was needed to verify the information.
Why the missiles are urgently needed
The need to strengthen air defense is critical due to Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s critical and military infrastructure.
It is noted that shrinking European stockpiles makes it more difficult to source weapons, and Germany is currently the only EU country capable of making a significant contribution.
Ukraine continues to rely on the United States, but the conflict in the Middle East has partly shifted Washington’s focus.
"We are not in focus today - Iran is the number one issue, and then comes Ukraine. Unfortunately, we are in the queue for these wars," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The president also criticized Ukrainian officials for slow progress in securing air defense systems and threatened personnel changes if there is no improvement.
Missile shortages
Earlier, Colonel Yurii Ihnat stated that Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of missiles for Western air defense systems such as Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T. Due to significant supply issues, launcher units are currently only partially loaded, and military leadership is forced to request ammunition during international negotiations.
In response, Ukraine has begun exploring alternative solutions to protect key infrastructure. In particular, businesses and enterprises have recently been presented with official mechanisms to establish non-state air defense protection against Russian aerial attacks.
As part of a special program, infrastructure facilities have been allowed to form their own mobile air defense groups to shoot down enemy Shahed drones.
