German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Ukraine will soon receive Patriot systems, which are particularly needed to protect against Russian attacks, Politico reports.
US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with NATO earlier this week that will allow for an increase in the volume of weapons supplies. The European Union will pay for them. In response to a question from Politico at a press conference on the 17th of July, the German Chancellor said that Ukraine needs the defense systems, and Kiev will receive them very soon. He hinted that they would begin operating on Ukrainian territory in the coming weeks.
Trump said on the 14th of July that Ukraine would receive Patriot systems in the coming days, but questions have since arisen about how long it might actually take.
NATO spokesman Alexus Grynkewich said on the 17th of July that
preparations are underway and the process is being carried out in close cooperation with Germany.
Merz was speaking at a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The German politician was visiting Britain to sign an agreement on security and defense cooperation. Starmer said Trump had made it very clear that he wanted Putin to step down and was backing his words with actions. Merz, in turn, noted that defense ministers were working on a supply plan to deliver European-based weapons to Ukraine, which would then be replaced with new weapons from the United States.
The two leaders also mentioned tightening economic sanctions against Russia, and Merz called on Trump to agree to a sanctions package being pushed by US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
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