Germany rejected Poland’s call to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine
This requires the consent of all NATO countries, noted in Berlin
Germany’s defense minister rejected Poland’s surprise request to deploy Patriot surface-to-air missiles in western Ukraine, saying such a deployment would have to be agreed with NATO.
Earlier, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak tweeted a proposal to hand over air defense to Ukraine, days after the countries struck an air defense deal that would see Germany’s Patriot missiles and fighter jets stationed in Poland. This happened after the rocket fell on the territory of Poland.
‘These are Patriot systems that are part of NATO’s comprehensive air defense planning. That is why it became possible to make this offer to Poland, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht told reporters in Berlin after talks with her Estonian counterpart. ‘However, any proposal that deviates from this must be discussed with NATO and our allies.’
Blaszczak asked Germany to deploy air defense systems further to eastern Ukraine after a new series of Russian strikes, adding that ‘they should protect Ukraine from further losses and blackouts and strengthen security on our eastern border.’
It will be recalled that NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg commented on the conflict surrounding Patriot systems, which Poland asked to provide to Ukraine.
