Germany wants guarantees from US before sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine

Speaking to the German magazine Der Spiegel, he said European NATO member states need assurances <x0-> iron” that every American air defence system, sent to Ukraine, will be replaced within six to eight months.

Last week, US President Donald Trump announced that he has reached an agreement with NATO chief Mark Rutte, so that the alliance's European countries can be supplied with American weapons, especially with Patriot's missile systems to help Ukraine in the fight against Russia.

The move marked a turning point in Trump's stance, which said he is increasingly disappointed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is hampering efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Germany has offered funding to two Patriot systems, while several other NATO allies have indicated willing to pay for three more.

But concerns have increased, as Washington wants European allies to first send Patriot systems from their reserves to Ukraine and then expect them to be replaced by the United States.

Pistorius told Der Spiegel magazine that it is important that the <x0 countries that are transferring systems can meet their obligations to NATO and not create security gaps for the” alliance.

Several countries, such as Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands, have expressed willingness to pay for Patriot systems, but Pistorius said it has not yet been decided which country to give these systems to Ukraine.

Speaking later at a news conference in Berlin, he said talks are continuing on the issue that <x0-cyclat countries in Europe and more widely have currently Patriot systems, and how many of them are willing to hand over”.

There's money for these Patriot systems. Now we just need those”, Pistorius said.

Germany has had 12 Patriot systems, but has already sent 3 to Ukraine and 2 to Poland.

Another system is used only for training, so there are now only 6 active systems available. / REL