Ukraine will receive long-range strike systems “very shortly,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a joint news conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the UK on July 17, Politico reports.
“These systems are essential for strengthening Ukraine’s defense, and additional support is expected in the very near future,” Merz said. “Ukraine will be in a much stronger position and will be able to use these systems effectively, with our support, in the coming weeks and months.”
Merz also confirmed that Ukraine is set to receive Patriot air defense systems within weeks.
“At this very moment, defense ministries are discussing the logistics of delivering Patriot systems to Ukraine as quickly as possible. It may take a few weeks. The talks are very concrete, the U.S. is ready to move forward — but there’s no final result yet,” he said.
On July 14, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would supply Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. The exact number of systems has not been disclosed. The cost of the transfer will be reimbursed to the U.S. by the European Union.
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