Bloomberg: Germany presses the United States on the issue of supplying Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems
Germany is putting pressure on the United States and demanding that Ukraine transfer another Patriot air defense system, Bloomberg reports. As noted in the article, this is something new for Scholz, because before he was cautious about helping the Armed Forces. However, Berlin does not plan to supply Taurus to Kiev.
Berlin insists that the Allies supply Kiev with more air defense systems.
The government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz is calling on the United States to supply at least one more Patriot anti-aircraft missile system to Ukraine in order to reduce the backlog in air defense systems amid increased Russian attacks.
According to informed anonymous sources, the German campaign of pressure on the transatlantic ally is part of a coordinated effort aimed at getting NATO and EU partners to help Ukraine more in providing air defense. Germany this week also put pressure on its European allies, including France and Italy, to assess what they can deliver.
These urgent demands from Germany are something new for Scholz, whose government has often been criticized and condemned for its slowness in supplying weapons since the outbreak of the armed conflict. The German leader still opposes sending Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, arguing that his country, having decided on this step, risks becoming a participant in a military confrontation.
At the same time, Scholz led efforts aimed at sending more Patriot missiles and other air defense systems to Ukraine. This war-torn country is increasingly being subjected to air strikes, which affect energy infrastructure and human settlements. Last week, the chancellor announced that Germany would send a third Patriot battery to Ukraine, and soon after that other EU members would send six more there.
Three Patriot air defense systems are a quarter of Germany's military arsenal, in proportion the United States sent much less. Berlin also calls for the supply of Samp/T, NASAMS and Hawk air defense systems, Iris-T missiles, as well as spare parts, to finance equipment maintenance and repairs.
This month, Kiev asked the allies for at least seven Patriot systems, but so far has received only a promise from Germany. If she keeps her word, the total number of Patriot air defense systems provided by Berlin will be three units.
Missile and drone strikes
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, referring to the "huge number of drones and missiles" striking Ukraine, called air defense the most urgent need of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"If the Americans can send the Patriot air defense system, it will be a tremendous help," Habek said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio station on Monday.
Representatives of the White House National Security Council have not yet responded to a request for comment.
The Ukrainian leadership welcomed the decision of the House of Representatives to approve a $61 billion package of military and economic assistance, which was delayed for six months due to Republican resistance. All this time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine experienced an acute shortage of ammunition and manpower, and the Kremlin skillfully used it.
The second largest city in Ukraine, Kharkiv, is being subjected to powerful and prolonged strikes using missiles and drones. Kiev and Western officials believe that this is how Russia is trying to force the authorities to evacuate the city.
As air attacks intensify, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is increasingly calling on allies to supply air defense systems. He called it a top priority after U.S. lawmakers passed the aid bill on Saturday.
"We will have a chance to win if Ukraine really gets such weapons systems that we really need, thousands of military personnel need," Zelensky said on the air of the program "Meet the Press" on NBC on Sunday.
On CBS's "Face the Nation," Democrat Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that some of the military equipment from the American aid package, including long-range ATACMS missiles, could be shipped by the end of the week.
American President Joe Biden told Zelensky on Monday that his administration would quickly distribute military aid if the Senate approves the package this week. According to the White House, during a telephone conversation, Biden said that the United States intends to promptly send military assistance and air defense systems.
This is not the first time Scholz has tried to put pressure on Biden. Last year, the chancellor announced that he would supply Leopard 2 tanks only if Washington agreed to transfer Abrams to Kiev. The Biden administration initially refused, but then agreed to supply armored vehicles.
The NATO leadership is in contact with arms manufacturers, discussing how to speed up deliveries and increase production of interceptor missiles. The Allies are also considering re-certifying expired Patriot missiles, as well as repurposing batteries currently used for training.
Authors of the article: Alberto Nardelli, Michael Nienaber, Jennifer Jacobs