The German government has welcomed the decision by US President Donald Trump to authorize the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
Speaking in Berlin on Monday, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated that the systems would be “very useful” for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of establishing a financial mechanism for their transfer. He indicated that the logistical arrangements are likely to be handled through individual nations rather than through the European Union.
Trump previously justified the policy shift by citing the “urgent need” for the systems. He suggested that the units would initially be sold to the European Union, which would then be responsible for distributing them to Ukraine.
Germany had previously indicated its intention to provide two Patriot systems and further details are expected to be announced during the upcoming visit of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to Washington.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Defense Committee, underscored the urgency of the situation. In comments to the “Rheinische Post” she stated that it is “crucial” that Ukraine receives immediate and rapid support with Patriot systems.
Strack-Zimmermann condemned the Russian air strikes on Ukrainian civilians as “devastating and barbaric” and expressed approval of a potential arrangement whereby the US provides Patriots through NATO to the EU, with the EU and European nations financing the transfer and onward distribution to Ukraine.
She suggested that this approach would allow Trump to demonstrate ongoing support for Ukraine to his electorate.
