Germany will send more Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine from its own reserves, at a time when Kiev anticipates an intensification of Russian attacks during the winter. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced during a video conference of Ukraine's allies the urgent delivery of additional PAC-2 interceptor missiles, without revealing the quantity to be sent.
Pistorius warned that Russian air attacks are expected to increase when temperatures drop, causing even more damage. According to the official, Moscow is trying to destroy Ukraine's economic base and critical infrastructure through attacks on ports, power plants and other civilian targets. Germany will also increase deliveries of air-to-air missiles and maintain the supply of drones and long-range ammunition to Kiev.
The announcement comes after the United Kingdom allocated a package of more than 100 million euros to Ukraine, which includes Patriot missiles, drones and high-caliber artillery ammunition. Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara emphasized that Ukraine is contracting for about a thousand Patriot missiles, but that most are only expected to be delivered in the coming years.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the NATO Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, also announced that EU member states agreed to authorize Ukraine to purchase essential equipment for Patriot systems from countries outside the European bloc using European funds.
