KYIV (Reuters) – Germany said on Saturday it would deliver an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, as the Russian army stepped up its offensive on the Eastern Front.
“Germany will deliver an additional Patriot air defense system to Ukraine,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on the social network that American aid is still blocked in Congress.
“We are resolutely on Ukraine’s side,” he added.
The German chancellor said that Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky had informed him, during a telephone call on Saturday, of “massive air attacks by Russia against civilian energy infrastructure”.
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For his part, Volodimir Zelensky thanked the German leader for approving the delivery of this additional system and air defense missiles at a “critical moment” for his country. He called their conversation “important and productive.”
“I call on all other leaders of partner states to follow this example,” he added.
A German government spokesperson said the two leaders discussed measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. “They agreed on the need for additional efforts on the part of partners,” we can read in a press release.
This delivery comes as the Eastern front is undergoing an intensive assault from Russia.
A week ago, Volodimir Zelensky said that 25 American-made Patriot systems were needed to cover the entire country.
This anti-aircraft system will be delivered immediately and is in addition to those already sent and promised, the German Ministry of Defense said on X.
Germany has already delivered two Patriot systems as well as air defense equipment to Ukraine, according to a German government memo dated April 10.
(Reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv, Elaine Monaghan in Washington and Sarah Marsh in Berlin, written by Elaine Monaghan and Tom Balmforth; French version Kate Entringer)
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