In the comments for Der Spiegel, Pistorius said that European members need “waterproof” guarantees that all American air defensive systems will be replaced in Ukraine within six to eight months.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted a deal with NATO Secretary General by Marko Rutte on the purchase of American weapons – especially the Patriot system – for Kiev to help him in the war against Russia.
The move marked the turnaround for Trump because his patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin ran out of frustrating efforts to stop war in Ukraine.
Germany offered funding for two Patriot systems, while several other NATO allies expressed readiness to pay for three more.
Worried, however, rose because Washington wants European Allies first send systems to patriot from their own stocks in Ukraine, and then waiting for a replacement from the United States, Reuters reports.
Pistorius said for Der Spiegel that it is important that “systems that transmit systems can continue to meet their NATO requirements and that no NATO security failures arise.”
Countries Including Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands expressed readiness to finance patriot systems, but Pistorius said that “no decision on which country could deliver the Siiste Patriot Ukraine”.
Later at the Berlin press conference, he said talks on the issue “What countries in Europe and broader are in the currently available patriots and what amounts they willing to surrender?”
– There is money for these patriots. Now we just need patriots – he added.
The German before had 12 systems of Patriot, but sent three to Ukraine and two in Poland. Another Patriot battery is intended for training, leaving Germany six active units, Reuters reports.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
