The German minister recalled that in October Germany transferred two more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
“This could have happened even faster if it had not been for the shutdown in the United States, which required their consent,” Pistorius emphasized.
He noted that technological development is also moving forward, and Ukrainian air defenses are “becoming increasingly difficult” to contain the multitude of Russian drones and cruise missiles.
This partly explains the decline in the interception rate of Russian targets, Pistorius added.
“We are doing everything possible, and it has an effect, but, unfortunately, not with the clarity and efficiency that we hoped for and that Ukraine primarily counted on,” the politician said.
At the same time, Pistorius added that partners do not have the right to weaken support for Ukraine against the backdrop of targeted attacks by the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
“[Нелегитимный российский президент Владимир] Putin is clearly trying to make winter as unbearable for Ukraine as possible, to break the will of Ukrainians to resist. He’s not succeeding,” summed up the German Defense Minister.
Context
The aggressor country of the Russian Federation practically every night fires at Ukraine with missiles, drones, and also adjustable aerial bombs. In recent months, Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy system facilities, as well as its gas infrastructure, have become more frequent.
Partners began transferring Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine in 2023. Patriot transfers were reported by Germany (three), the United States (three) and Romania (one). The Netherlands transferred components for the air defense system to Ukraine, in particular the radar.
In April 2025, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that the country needed 10 Patriot systems and that it was ready to purchase them from the United States.
On July 14, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with NATO allies on arms supplies to Ukraine. He, in particular, announced the transfer of additional Patriots to Ukraine.
On August 1, the German Ministry of Defense announced that Germany “in the coming days” will transfer two more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. On September 9, Pistorius announced the delivery of the first launchers for the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
On October 20, Zelensky announced that Ukraine was preparing a contract for the purchase of 25 Patriots.
Zelensky announced that Ukraine had received additional Patriots on November 2.
