Ukraine has asked Germany to provide dozens of additional Patriot interceptor missiles from its stockpiles this year, amid efforts to strengthen its air defense against intensifying Russian strikes, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter, according to UNN.
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"Ukraine has proposed a deal under which it would receive the missiles in exchange for providing Germany with interceptor missiles expected to be produced in the future," the people said.
In April, Kyiv received a military aid package from Berlin worth 4 billion euros ($4.6 billion), which includes funding for hundreds of missiles for the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system, the publication points out.
"The German government is considering Ukraine's request and has not yet made a decision, although an announcement could be made shortly before or during the NATO summit in July," one person said.
A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense declined to comment. A spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could not immediately comment, stating that he needed time to verify the information, the publication writes.
As the publication notes, "Kyiv continues to rely primarily on the U.S. for Patriot missile supplies." "Although the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has diverted Washington's attention from the war in Ukraine, deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles are continuing on schedule," one of the sources said.
PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles for Patriot are arriving in Ukraine daily and weekly – Rutte03.06.26, 18:12
"Nevertheless, Ukraine is under pressure as Russia ramps up production of ballistic missiles and continues to improve weapon capabilities," the person added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to allies for an increase in the number of Patriot missiles, but dwindling European stockpiles make it difficult to secure additional interceptors, the publication writes. "Germany is the only EU country that can currently make a significant contribution," one of the sources said.
"Today we are not in the spotlight – Iran is the number one issue, and then Ukraine. Unfortunately, we are standing in line regarding these wars," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday.
He also criticized Ukrainian government officials for moving too slowly toward securing additional Patriot missiles and threatened personnel changes if progress is not made.