'We only have six left': Pistorius explains why Germany to not send more Patriot units to Ukraine
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Germany can no longer send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine due to a shortage of available units.
This was stated by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, according to his interview with the Financial Times.
According to the publication, Germany originally had 12 Patriot air defense systems. Three of them have already been transferred to Kyiv.
Two more were leased to Poland, and at least one is constantly undergoing maintenance or being used for training. This leaves the country with only six operational Patriot systems.
"We only have six left in Germany. That’s really too few, especially considering the Nato capability goals we have to meet. We definitely can’t give any more," the minister said.
At the same time, Pistorius noted that he is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington on Monday. They will discuss a roadmap for US support to Europe.
Pistorius also mentioned he would revisit a proposal he made to Hegseth last month, requesting US approval for Germany to purchase two Patriot systems from the US to transfer them to Ukraine.
In the same interview, the German defense minister confirmed that Germany will not supply Ukraine with its long-range Taurus missiles.
Air defense for Ukraine
Recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will receive additional Patriot air defense systems, based on a multi-layered agreement between Ukraine and its partners.
"We’re doing everything to ensure Ukraine gets as many means as possible to shoot down drones and missiles. We’re finalizing an agreement, which will be a multi-level agreement for new Patriot systems and missiles," the president said.
Additionally, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said the country is negotiating not only for Patriot systems, but also for a broader range of air defense assets.
