Germany Negotiates US Patriot Systems Purchase for Ukraine Defense

Germany is engaged in intensive negotiations to procure two Patriot air defense systems and missiles from the United States to transfer to Ukraine amid escalating Russian drone and missile attacks. The German government is working to fill a critical gap left by a U.S. pause on some weapons deliveries to Ukraine, which has caused alarm in Berlin. Ukraine initially tried to acquire Patriot systems directly from the U.S. but failed and subsequently turned to Germany for assistance. However, negotiations have been complicated by the Trump administration's reluctance to allow the sale and transfer of these systems, with concerns that the pause in American weapons shipments could extend to Germany's request. The U.S. Department of Defense is reviewing military aid options under the “America First” policy, balancing support for Ukraine with maintaining U.S. Armed Forces readiness. Germany awaits a response from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as Kyiv seeks clarification amid ongoing discussions and fears that insufficient air defenses could increase the danger from Russian strikes.