Pistorius: Germany Cannot Currently Hand More Patriot Systems to Ukraine
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius says Germany can no longer supply Ukraine with Patriot air defence systems, as this would weaken its own defences. He urged partner countries to step up their contributions.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said that Germany cannot currently transfer more Patriot air defence missile systems to Ukraine, because doing so would significantly weaken Germany's own air defences. Ukraine uses such systems to protect itself from Russian air attacks in the ongoing war. The minister made the remarks in an interview with the WAZ media group.
Germany's capacity is exhausted
Pistorius said deliveries, Patriot systems in particular, are proving difficult. Germany has already given Ukraine several systems and a large number of guided missiles for them. According to the minister, it cannot do more: anything handed over now could not be replaced for the time being, which would leave gaps Germany cannot afford.
Appeal to partners
Pistorius stated that other countries have contributed considerably less, so Berlin expects more active steps from its partners. In his words, the issue should be discussed in detail at the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, scheduled for mid-November.
Assessment of the war
The minister voiced doubts that a ceasefire in Ukraine can be reached soon. At the same time, he hopes Moscow will not achieve its goals. Pistorius said he does not believe Russia can turn the course of the war in its favour by carrying out air strikes on civilian targets during winter. In his view, Russian forces are making no progress on the ground, while suffering losses of 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers per month.
