German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced a swift progression toward the planned transfer of Patriot air defense systems from the United States to Ukraine, via Europe.
Speaking in Washington D.C. on Monday during a visit with U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth, Pistorius stated that discussions are already underway at a working level to determine the logistical framework and conditions for the handover. He acknowledged that technical, logistical and financial considerations remain to be addressed. However, both German and U.S. officials expressed confidence that these challenges are surmountable.
Pistorius confirmed that Germany previously offered to procure two Patriot systems from the United States with the intention of transferring them to Ukraine.
The German Minister also commended recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that his pronouncements have increased pressure on Russia to seek an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Trump recently declared plans for “massive weapons deliveries” and threatened the Kremlin with a 50-day ultimatum. Failure to achieve progress toward a ceasefire within this timeframe, Trump warned, would trigger the imposition of significant tariffs against Russia and its trading partners.
