Germany Eyes Patriot Missiles for Ukraine Amidst Ongoing Attacks
As relentless Russian aerial attacks persist, Germany is considering bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Amidst discussions of war funding and lasting support, here’s the latest from the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.
Potential Patriot Purchase
Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, announced Germany’s willingness to procure additional US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile defense systems for Ukraine at the Ukraine Recovery Conference. The announcement comes as Ukraine faces a barrage of daily Russian aerial attacks involving numerous drones and missiles.
Merz’s Message to Moscow and Washington
Merz conveyed two messages at the conference, one directed at Moscow and the other at Washington. “The message is quite simple: We will not give up,”
Merz declared regarding **Vladimir Putin** and Russia’s ongoing invasion. He further appealed to **Donald Trump** and the United States, urging, “Stay with us and stay with the Europeans… We are on the same page.”
Air Defense Discussions
During the conference, air defense strategies were a focal point, with participation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and allied nations. The Patriot system stands out as one of the most sophisticated air defense systems globally, capable of intercepting both aircraft and various types of missiles.
Limited Patriot Deliveries to Date
To date, the United States has only sanctioned the delivery of three Patriot missile batteries to Kyiv. Merz mentioned discussing the matter with **Donald Trump** recently, stating, “The Americans need some of them themselves, but they also have a lot of them … It has not yet been finalized whether a delivery will be made.”
Patriot System Capabilities
A fully mobile Patriot battery includes a command center, radar station, and launchers, defending roughly 68 kilometers (42 miles). Its radar can simultaneously track 50 targets, engaging five. Depending on the version, interceptor missiles reach altitudes above 24 kilometers and hit targets up to 160 kilometers away.
Financial Support Pledged
Italy’s Prime Minister **Giorgia Meloni** announced that participants at the Ukraine Recovery Conference have pledged over €10 billion ($11.7 billion) to aid Ukraine’s economic recovery. “I think we should be proud of the result we have achieved together today — nations, international organizations, financial institutions, local authorities, the business sector, and civil society,”
Meloni said.
Additionally, the European Commission has detailed a €2.3 billion support package for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. The World Bank estimates that the cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine could reach $486 billion over the next decade (World Bank, 2024).
Zelenskyy’s Warning
**Zelenskyy** cautioned that Russia is intensifying its attacks, emphasizing the critical need for sustained funding. He argued that these escalating attacks underscore **Vladimir Putin’s** disinterest in pursuing peace, signaling a further escalation of violence. Zelenskyy made these remarks at the commencement of the two-day summit.
