Germany to provide Patriots to Ukraine as Scholz reiterates support for Ukraine
- 14 April, 12:54
Germany will supply Ukraine with US-made Patriot air defence systems in a bid to enhance Ukraine’s air defence capabilities amid Russia’s intensified attacks on the country’s energy system. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude to Germany's Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, via the Telegram messaging app for agreeing to provide extra Patriot systems and missiles.
Later, in his evening video statement, Zelenskiy hinted at ongoing discussions regarding the extension of support for another air defense system, although German officials didn't mention this aspect in their statements. Zelenskiy emphasized, "We are also collaborating with Germany to secure an additional Iris-T system, a robust air defense solution, along with missiles for our current air defense setups."
Commenting on the delivery of Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, Olaf Scholz wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "We remain firmly by Ukraine's side," and he mentioned that Zelenskiy had briefed him on Saturday via telephone regarding "significant Russian air assaults targeting civilian energy facilities." Martin Jaeger, Germany's ambassador to Ukraine, emphasized on X, "It's imperative for other international allies to swiftly follow suit."
The announcement regarding the supply of Patriots came after the Ukrainian army chief's statement on Saturday, highlighting a deteriorating situation on the eastern front due to increased Russian armored attacks. Fierce battles are ongoing for control of a village situated west of the heavily damaged city of Bakhmut.
"The situation on the eastern front has markedly worsened in recent days," Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said. This comes more than two years after Russia's invasion. The delay in receiving crucial US military assistance, which Kyiv had anticipated months ago, still persists due to Congressional hurdles. Zelenskiy also acknowledged in his evening address that "the situation at the front, in some areas, is challenging."
