Berlin plans to buy Patriots from US for Ukraine

Rome/Kyiv (dpa) – Germany plans to purchase Patriot air defence systems from the United States in order to provide them to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the move at an international reconstruction conference in Rome. According to reports, the deal involves two systems. 

Merz referred to a phone call with US President Donald Trump in which he had “also asked him to supply these systems,” he said. Negotiations between Berlin and Washington are now under way. Merz did not specify how many systems Germany intended to purchase. 

Germany has already provided Ukraine with extensive air defence support using various types of systems. The Patriots are among the most advanced air defence systems in the world. Trump previously signalled his willingness to approve the delivery. 

The main focus of the Rome meeting, however, is civilian aid for Ukraine, which has been severely affected by more than three years of Russian aggression. Additional billions in assistance were pledged, including a new European fund with private sector participation.