US asks Germany to sell one of its Patriot systems to Ukraine - Axios
Photo: Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States of America (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has proposed that Germany sell one of its Patriot missile intercepters to Ukraine, Axios reports.
According to officials, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had initially suggested to Trump that Berlin purchase a Patriot battery from Washington and send it to Ukraine. In response, the American leader proposed that Germany instead sell one of its own Patriot batteries to Kyiv. At the same time, sources say the United States and its European allies would split the cost of the purchase.
"Trump and Merz didn't reach an agreement, but officials say the discussion is ongoing. German officials contend Germany has given a very high percentage of its Patriots to Ukraine - even more than the US in relative terms," Axios reports.
Aid to Ukraine
The MIM-104 Patriot is a mobile air defense system capable of intercepting both aerial targets and ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 160 kilometers. The system has become one of the key tools in repelling Russian attacks with drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles - including Kinzhal missiles, which were previously considered nearly invulnerable.
As reported earlier, during a recent conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump may have promised Ukraine missiles for the Patriot system.
