Bild: Germany seeks deal with US to send Patriot systems to Ukraine

Germany’s main tabloid newspaper, Bild, reports that the federal government is working urgently to provide Ukraine with new air defense systems and a sufficient supply of projectile interceptor missiles.

“One of the most pressing issues is the supply of Patriot missiles, which Ukraine uses to shoot down Russian rockets and protect civilians and critical infrastructure such as power plants,” the report reads.

To support Ukraine, Berlin is seeking to reach a secret arms deal with the United States. Germany is currently awaiting confirmation from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the transfer of two Patriot air defense systems.

The German government would fully fund the systems for Ukraine. According to Bild, Germany submitted the request to the Pentagon several weeks ago.

“Kyiv had previously tried unsuccessfully to buy Patriot systems directly from the U.S. before turning to the German government for help,” the report reads.

Following the recent announcement that the U.S. is pausing critically needed weapons deliveries to Ukraine, officials in Berlin fear Washington may also reject Germany’s request for the two Patriot systems, Bild reported.

The issue was reportedly discussed during a German cabinet meeting on July 2, where it became clear that the canceled U.S. deliveries cannot be fully compensated.

“Still, Germany and other allies now want to explore the possibility of sending Ukraine Patriot systems from their own stockpiles,” the report reads.