The Patriot air defense system that Germany plans to deliver to Ukraine will not be operational for at least another six to seven months, Bild reports citing sources in the German government.
Initially, the arrangement had been for the United States to supply air defense systems from its own military reserves, while Germany would cover the cost of replenishing them. However, President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected this plan, insisting that the U.S. military cannot spare a single Patriot unit for Ukraine.
“Europe must deliver air defense systems from its own arsenals,” the publication states, describing Trump’s position.
The article underscores that simply paying for Ukraine’s defense is no longer sufficient. European nations are now being urged to disassemble their own military stockpiles and order replacements from the American defense industry.
Meanwhile, Europe is already facing an air defense shortage. For several days, closed-door negotiations have been underway to determine which countries, if any, are capable of supplying Ukraine with urgently needed systems.
