Germany says it will transfer PAC-2 missiles from its stocks to Ukraine
Germany will transfer PAC-2 interceptor missiles to Ukraine from its own stocks and is calling on other states to follow suit.
As reported by a European Pravda correspondent, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced, speaking ahead of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein format) meeting on 8 September in a video conference format, that PAC-2 missiles will be supplied to Ukraine from Bundeswehr (Germany's Armed Forces) stockpiles.
"I've decided... to deliver urgently needed PAC-2 interceptor missiles from Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine. I appeal to all members of the UDCG to look into their own stocks and make similar deliveries," he said.
Pistorius pointed out that air defence is Ukraine's most urgent requirement.
He did not specify exactly how many missiles will be transferred.
"Since Russia is only advancing very slowly on the front line, it is trying to destroy Ukraine's economic base and critical infrastructure by way of air raids on port installations, power plants and other civilian targets. Unfortunately, we can expect Russian air raids to increase again once temperatures drop, and then the damage will be even greater," he added.
Pistorius called on all allies to "take the right measures to increase Ukraine's resilience".
"I'm aware that it is not easy to strike a balance between one's own security requirements and urgently needed support to Ukraine. But please, if in doubt, decide in favour of Ukraine. From NATO's perspective, further substantial deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles by allies are acceptable," Pistorius concluded.
It was reported earlier that the EU has agreed to purchase Patriot missiles for Ukraine worth €3.2 billion.
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also said that during the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, on 2 September, several EU member states made new commitments to provide Ukraine with interceptor missiles.
On 8 September, it was reported that the United Kingdom is providing £100 million (US$135 million) for an air defence package for Ukraine ahead of winter, including Patriot missiles. The weapons will be supplied through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme.