Germany Says It Can't Send More Patriot Systems to Ukraine
Germany cannot provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems without creating gaps in its own defenses, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, urging other allies to increase their support as Russia continues its missile and drone attacks.
Pistorius said Germany has already supplied Ukraine with several Patriot systems and interceptor missiles but cannot replace equipment quickly enough to justify further transfers from its military stockpiles.
In an interview with the Berliner Morgenpost, reported by German news outlet Focus, Pistorius said additional deliveries would leave Germany with shortages it could not responsibly accept.
He said other countries must now assume a greater share of the responsibility for strengthening Ukraine's air defenses.
The warning comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presses Western allies to accelerate deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles to protect the country's energy infrastructure against Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy met with Pistorius in Berlin on Nov. 4 to discuss speeding up shipments of German-made PAC-2 missiles used by Patriot air defense systems.
Ukraine has a contract to purchase the missiles over the next two years, but Zelenskyy has warned that the country needs faster deliveries to withstand Russian attacks during the winter.
The two officials also discussed additional military assistance involving IRIS-T air defense systems and ammunition for Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets.
Germany's inability to transfer additional Patriot systems does not mean it has abandoned efforts to supply more interceptor missiles. However, Pistorius has acknowledged that replenishing those weapons remains a challenge.
Germany and Britain are working with other allies to identify additional air defense equipment and missiles that could be sent to Ukraine.
The countries hope to develop a plan ahead of the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, scheduled for Nov. 17 in Brussels.
Pistorius said the United States has been providing only limited replenishments of Patriot equipment and missiles, while German production of PAC-2 GEM-T interceptors is still getting underway.
Ukraine's shortage of interceptors has become particularly urgent as Russia continues targeting the country's power infrastructure and other critical facilities.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned that Ukraine needs additional air defense weapons to protect civilians and maintain essential services during the winter.
Pistorius' warning about military supplies comes as he also expressed skepticism over the prospects for a swift ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
Representatives of the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10-11 for another round of U.S.-mediated peace talks.
The discussions are expected to address security arrangements, de-escalation measures, humanitarian issues, and possible steps toward ending the conflict.
Pistorius questioned whether President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts would produce a breakthrough, saying the prospects for a ceasefire depend heavily on Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to negotiate.
According to a report published by Armenpress, the German minister said recent developments offered little reason to expect Trump's approach to produce a quick ceasefire, much less a lasting peace.
Pistorius also rejected the possibility of Washington and Moscow reaching an agreement without Ukraine's participation or at Kyiv's expense.
He said European countries must have their security interests represented in any negotiations, warning against a settlement that excludes Ukraine and its allies from decisions affecting their future.
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