Germany Urges Dozens of Allies to Dispatch Air Defense Systems to Ukraine

 

Germany has reached out to numerous countries, including Gulf Arab states, urging for increased air defense support for Ukraine amidst the escalating conflict with Russia. Highlighting the urgent need to safeguard Ukrainian cities, troops, and critical infrastructure from Russian missile attacks, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, in a letter obtained by the Financial Times, launched a global initiative termed Immediate Action on Air Defence (IAAD).

 

Expressing concern over the intensifying Russian offensive, the German ministers called on NATO allies and non-NATO partners to contribute to filling the gaps in Ukraine's air defense capabilities. They emphasized the severity of the situation, citing Russia's targeting of strategic locations like Odesa and Kharkiv, as well as attacks on energy infrastructure causing significant damage.

 

Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, expressed gratitude for Germany's leadership on the air defense issue, highlighting Germany's provision of Patriot systems and missiles. He urged other countries to heed Germany's call for assistance. Discussions between Kuleba and Baerbock at NATO headquarters focused on mobilizing international support for Ukraine's air defense needs.

 

Baerbock stressed the importance of bolstering air defense capabilities to protect lives in Ukraine and enhance regional security. With the situation deteriorating on the eastern front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed for increased military assistance from Western partners. The recent missile attack on Chernihiv underscored the urgent necessity for enhanced air defense capabilities to prevent civilian casualties.

 

The IAAD initiative primarily aims to acquire additional US-built Patriot systems, renowned for their effectiveness against Russian ballistic missiles. Germany's commitment includes providing a third Patriot system, along with other military equipment such as anti-aircraft gun tanks and air defense systems. Efforts are underway to explore further defensive options, including the French-Italian SAMP/T and US-Norwegian NASAMS systems.

 

German officials emphasized the need for swift action from other countries to provide necessary air defense systems to Ukraine, stressing the importance of international cooperation in mitigating the conflict's impact and saving lives.