Ukraine can still receive Patriot air defense systems, which Germany plans to transfer to Poland after the missiles strike on November 15. Earlier, Berlin categorically rejected providing Ukraine with these air defense systems.
Germany’s updated position was shared by the spokeswoman of the German Federal Government, Christiana Hoffmann. She said that Germany is discussing Poland’s request to transfer Patriot systems to Ukraine with its allies. It was reported by CNN.
In response to Russia’s major missile strike on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure on November 23, Poland has requested that Germany transfer the Patriot missile systems provided to Ukraine rather than Poland.
Germany is following the discussion in Poland
“We are discussing with our allies how to respond to the Polish proposal”, – Hoffmann said.
In addition, she noted that the German government is “closely following the discussions in Poland.”
Hoffmann stressed that Germany did not want to “speculate” whether Poland would change its mind by accepting Berlin’s support.
Duda supports the deployment of Patriot in Ukraine
Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Germany decides where to deploy its Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, Reuters reports.
At the same time, Andrzej Duda believes that it would be better to deploy Patriot in Ukraine from a military point of view.
From a military point of view, it would be best if they were located in Ukraine also to protect Polish territory. Then they would most effectively protect both Ukraine and Poland. But the decision remains with the German side,” the Polish leader said.
What is NATO’s position?
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, commenting on the possible transfer of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, said that the relevant decisions should be made at the level of the national government.
He praised Germany’s initiative to strengthen Poland’s air defense. Stoltenberg announced that next week at the meeting of NATO foreign ministers, he would persuade the allies to increase support for Ukraine, not only by providing air defense.
What is known about Poland’s proposal to give the Patriots to Ukraine?
Germany decided to offer Poland Patriot missile defense systems after the tragic incident in the village of Przewodow, where a missile fell on November 15.
The missile fell near the border with Ukraine during a massive Russian missile attack. As a result, two people were killed.
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak first accepted the German proposal. The German Defense Ministry confirmed that it would soon provide Poland with Patriot systems.
But the Polish Defense Minister asked that Germany give Patriot systems to Ukraine. However, Germany reported that Ukraine would not receive these air defense systems because they are intended only for the territory of NATO.
