The German government has welcomed the decision by US President Donald Trump to now authorize the delivery of Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stated on Monday in Berlin, responding to questions from the dts news agency, that the systems would be “very useful” for Ukraine and that mechanisms to handle the financial aspects of the transfer are crucial. He indicated that the process would likely be managed through individual nations rather than the European Union as a whole.
Trump’s shift in policy was reportedly justified by the “urgent need” for the systems. He suggested that the US would initially sell the units to the European Union, which could then re-export them to Ukraine.
Germany had previously signaled its intention to supply two Patriot systems, with further details expected to be announced during the visit of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to Washington.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Defence Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation. She told the “Rheinische Post” that prompt and rapid support for Ukraine with Patriot systems is paramount.
Speaking on the devastating impact of Russian air strikes on the Ukrainian civilian population, Strack-Zimmermann expressed approval of a potential arrangement where Trump makes Patriots available through NATO to the EU, with the EU and European nations financing the purchase and onward delivery to Ukraine. She suggested this approach may also allow Trump to demonstrate continued support for Ukraine to his electorate.