German DM seeks to weaponize Kiev ‘quickly and quietly’
(MENAFN) German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has committed to finalizing a deal to provide Ukraine with additional US-made Patriot missile defense systems “quickly and quietly” following high-level discussions with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington.
The two officials met at the Pentagon on Monday, shortly after President Donald Trump announced plans to send more US weapons to Kiev, funded by European NATO countries, and warned Russia of “severe tariffs” if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days.
“We agreed to move forward with detailed talks very quickly—quietly and efficiently—at the working level,” Pistorius told reporters after the meeting. He acknowledged that technical, logistical, and financial issues remain but seemed confident they can be resolved.
The agreement to transfer at least two Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine could be completed “within days or weeks,” though actual delivery may take several months, Pistorius said.
While Germany has indicated it will cover the costs—each system valued at around $1 billion—it is unclear where the launchers will be sourced from. Pistorius previously told the Financial Times that Germany only has six Patriot systems left after sending three to Ukraine since the conflict intensified in 2022.
Trump has mentioned that “several nations” are prepared to provide missile systems, including one unnamed country reportedly with 17 Patriots ready to be shipped. It was not specified whether he meant individual launchers or full Patriot batteries, which include radar and command units.
Moscow continues to maintain that Western military aid only prolongs the conflict and escalates violence, claiming some of the supplied missile systems have already been destroyed.
The new initiative to arm Ukraine was announced on the same day Trump hosted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. Trump emphasized, “The European Union is paying for them. We are not paying anything for them… This will be a business for us,” without specifying what other weapons might be provided.
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