The Defense Ministry of Germany has announced it will urgently send an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on the country’s critical infrastructure.
The Patriot is the most powerful air defense system within the Ukrainian army, capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles launched by Russian forces.
“Germany will urgently transfer another Patriot system to Ukraine to repel attacks of Russian aviation. It will complement other systems that have already been delivered or are planned to be sent,” the statement said.
During a recent phone call to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Berlin for the decision to supply Ukraine with an additional Patriot system and missiles for its existing air defense systems.
“It is a true demonstration of support for Ukraine at a critical time for us. I urge all other leaders of partner countries to follow this example,” he wrote on social media.
It will be the third Patriot air defense system provided by Germany during the full-scale war.
On 12 April, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that Ukraine was negotiating with foreign partners on providing two more Patriot batteries and one SAMP/T battery.
The minister, referring to the talks on strengthening Ukrainian air defense, said the decision to supply Patriot batteries depended on the US “because it is an American system.”
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