Pistorius: Ukraine to receive more missiles as Germany warns of increased Russian attacks during winter

Germany will continue supplying Ukraine with air-defense missiles, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced.

During a video conference of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), Pistorius said Berlin would provide Kyiv with, among other things, PAC-2 missiles needed for the Patriot system, as well as a larger quantity of AIM-9 missiles.

The German minister warned that Russian air attacks are expected to intensify again as temperatures fall in autumn and winter. For this reason, he urged allies to review their military stockpiles and, when in doubt, decide in Ukraine’s favor.

“If you have doubts, decide in Ukraine’s favor,” Pistorius said.

According to him, Moscow’s intimidation efforts and hybrid activities will not succeed in weakening Ukraine, Germany, or other partners. “On the contrary, Russia’s ruthless and irresponsible behavior only strengthens our resolve to defend peace and freedom in Europe,” the minister said.

The defense ministers of the countries supporting Ukraine focused on strengthening the country’s air defenses as winter approaches and heavy Russian air attacks continue.

The UK’s new Defense Secretary, Wes Streeting, and his new Ukrainian counterpart, Yevhenii Chmara, attended the Contact Group meeting for the first time. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he intends to ask all countries to increase their assistance to Ukraine. “We have no other choice,” Rutte stressed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Germany’s support. “These are precisely the decisions that bring peace closer—when the aggressor’s ability to kill is restricted,” Zelenskyy wrote on the X platform.

“Thanks to Germany for its principled stance, for its support, and for the tens of thousands of lives that have been saved from Russian attacks,” he added. /DW