Baerbock calls for more Patriots for Ukraine amid fears of Russian bombardment of Kharkiv to the ground

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed hope for clarity on additional air defense capabilities for Ukraine ahead of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting. She warned that Russia aims to "bomb the city of Kharkiv into the ground" and emphasized the need for increased support, German media outlet NTV reported.

Baerbock highlighted the depletion of Germany's own Patriot missile defense systems and called for a comprehensive inventory of Patriot systems in Europe and worldwide. This inventory would help identify potential sources to quickly provide Ukraine with much-needed air defense assistance.

"Unfortunately, our own stocks of Patriot systems are now quite exhausted," Baerbock said in Berlin. "We need an overview of all Patriot systems in Europe and worldwide to see where we can quickly deliver something to Ukraine."

The foreign minister expressed hope that the upcoming G7 foreign ministers' meeting would provide an opportunity to publicly share further information on this matter.

The call for enhanced air defense support comes amid ongoing concerns about Russia's military aggression and its impact on cities like Kharkiv. Baerbock's remarks underscore the urgency of international cooperation to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities in the face of these threats.

Read more:

• The Economist: Russia aims to make Kharkiv "gray zone"
• Russia's rumored assault on Kharkiv: assessing the threat
• Only a third of homes in Kharkiv have electricity
• Frontline report: Ukraine moves Patriot system closer
• US Patriots in Ukraine intercept 15 Russian hypersonic missiles
• Patriot missile defense systems from two more countries