Berlin is discussing with allies Poland’s proposal to send German missile systems to Ukraine
THE Germany announced that it is discussing with its allies Poland’s proposal to send German Patriot units to Ukraine, after NATO’s secretary general said the Atlantic alliance would likely not oppose such a move.
“We are discussing with our allies how to handle Poland’s proposal,” a government spokesman in Berlin told reporters.
The Berlin offered Warsaw the Patriot anti-aircraft system after a stray missile landed on Polish soil, on the border with Ukraine. Subsequently, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blazak asked Germany to send these Patriot units to Ukraine instead of Poland.
The Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg stated that this should be a decision of the countries, after taking into account the rules regarding the end user.
“Special decisions on special systems are national decisions”he told reporters.
“Sometimes there are end-user agreements and other things, so there needs to be consultation with the other allies. But, ultimately, the decision must be made by national governments.”.
Stoltenberg’s remarks came after German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said sending German Patriot units outside NATO territory would require prior talks with NATO and allies.
Patriot systems are produced by the American Raytheon.
Asked whether NATO risks becoming part of the conflict by sending Patriot units to Ukraine, Stoltenberg replied that the allies have supplied Kyiv with advanced weapons systems without sending NATO personnel with them.
“The way this was done is this: when there is a need for specialists to operate these systems, be it anti-aircraft systems or advanced artillery systems, the Ukrainians received training in a NATO country.”.
From Warsaw, Polish President Andrzej Duda said it was Germany’s decision where to deploy the Patriot anti-aircraft units, adding that it would be better for Poland’s security if they were deployed on Ukrainian soil near the border.
“From a military point of view, it would be better if they were deployed in Ukraine to protect Polish territory as well. Then they will be able to protect both Ukraine and Poland more effectively”, Andriy Duda said during a press conference in Kaunas, Lithuania.
“But, the decision belongs to the German side.”
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