Germany will urgently send Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine as Kiev faces a wave of Russian attacks, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced today during a video conference of the Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine.
Pistorius stated that Russia's attempts at intimidation and hybrid attacks will not succeed against Ukraine, Germany or other partner countries.
According to him, Moscow's behavior is strengthening the determination of European countries to defend peace and freedom in Europe.
The German minister said he has decided to send PAC-2 Patriot interceptor missiles from Germany's own reserves to Ukraine.
Berlin will also increase supplies of air-to-air missiles, in an effort to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend its airspace.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is ordering several thousand more Iris-T missiles from Germany.
Financing will be provided through the EU-Ukraine defense loan.
Pistorius said that production of these missiles could be increased by setting up a new production line.
The main goal of the aid package is to create a more powerful "shield" against Russian air strikes, at a time when Russia has intensified its use of drones and missiles against targets in Ukraine.
Germany will also finance tens of thousands of long-range artillery shells.
According to Pistorius, the ammunition will be purchased in cooperation with Great Britain and then delivered to Ukraine.
Berlin's decision comes just days after the German government held Russia responsible for a failed drone attack in Leipzig, describing it as part of Russian pressure and hybrid activities against Germany.
