Germany says it can’t spare more Patriots for Ukraine – while Russian ballistic attacks surge

Germany cannot supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems from its own stocks, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Monday, as reported by DW.

The remarks come as Russia steps up its use of ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure during the winter months. Ukrainian officials say Patriot systems are currently the only effective defense against ballistic threats, making their limited availability a growing concern as attacks intensify.

Germany has given more than a third of its Patriots

Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin with Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas, Pistorius said Germany has already transferred more than a third of its Patriot capabilities to Ukraine.

He said Berlin had done a “disproportionate amount” compared with other partners. Further deliveries are not possible for now because the Bundeswehr is still waiting for replacement systems and must maintain training and technical readiness.

Patriot systems are US-made long-range air and missile defense systems designed to detect, track, and intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

Ammunition limits, IRIS-T shortages persist

Pistorius added that Ukraine’s requests for more air defense ammunition also face limits. Germany remains the only country able to supply IRIS-T air defense systems and has been delivering them on an ongoing basis.

Despite this, he said existing IRIS-T deliveries are insufficient given the sharp increase in Russian air attacks. Pistorius called on Ukraine’s Western allies to review their own stockpiles, particularly those that may still have available capacity.

Zelenskyy: Patriots are only defense against ballistic missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said Patriot systems are critical to defending against Russia’s ballistic missile attacks. Speaking on January 20, he warned that Russia has significantly increased its use of ballistic weapons this winter, placing added strain on Ukraine’s air defenses.

Zelenskyy said PAC-3 interceptor missiles used by Patriot systems are the only effective defense against ballistic missiles. He stressed that continued US and European support, including timely deliveries through the US-led Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, is essential as Russian strikes intensify.

Pistorius slams Russia's "cynical" energy strikes

Pistorius also sharply criticized Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He described the strikes as “especially cynical,” noting that they are continuing during winter while ceasefire options are being discussed in Abu Dhabi.

He said Russia is deliberately targeting civilian energy facilities with sustained force to terrorize the population, actions he said violate international law.