Germany’s commitment to help Ukraine shore up its air defenses has highlighted the challenge of rallying its allies to contribute significantly to the cause. Despite Berlin’s efforts to lead by example and its urgent call to Western nations, as described by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as an “absolute priority,” the collective response has been underwhelming.
Annalena Baerbock stated that Germany had initiated a global effort to supply Ukraine with additional air defense systems, raising almost 1 billion euros. However, she emphasized that more support was necessary during a news conference held with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Berlin has vowed to deliver three of its eleven U.S.-made Patriot batteries, as well as over fifty Gepard shorter-range air defense systems and air-to-air missiles capable of countering the relentless assault on Ukraine’s cities and infrastructure.
Germany has been promoting its Immediate Action on Air Defense initiative, yet two sources familiar with the discussions informed that partner nations are reluctant to send the desperately-needed systems to Ukraine. Despite NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s assurance that “there are systems that can be made available to Ukraine,” the practicalities of coordinating delivery to Ukrainian forces have proven complex.
Several countries have made smaller pledges of support. Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Canada, and the Netherlands have committed financing, with France, Spain, Romania, Lithuania, Belgium, the United States, and the United Kingdom offering materials and rockets. Latvia has expressed a desire to join the program. However, the high cost of Patriot units, approximately $1 billion each, and the millions required for each interceptor missile, pose a significant barrier.
The hesitance of countries like Spain and Greece to redeploy their systems, despite the gravity of the situation, underscores the challenge. Even countries sharing a border with Ukraine, such as Poland and Romania, have reservations.
Meanwhile, Germany has continued its support.Germany provided Ukraine with an additional IRIS-T SLM air defense system on May 24, boosting Kyiv’s ability to intercept Russian cruise missiles, as per Der Spiegel’s report.
Nonetheless, the collective efforts fall short of Ukraine’s escalating defense needs, as emphasized by the grim reports of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage resulting from relentless attacks on various regions including Kharkiv.
Relevant articles:
– German Bundestag calls on Western countries to provide air defence over Western part of Ukraine , Ukrainska Pravda, 05/26/2024
– German defense minister: Ukraine receives another Iris-T air defense system from Germany, Kyiv Independent, 05/24/2024
– NATO, US and Germany to discuss sending tanks and more anti-missile systems to Ukraine, Yahoo Lifestyle UK, 05/25/2024
– Politico: Germany failed to convince other countries to transfer air defence to Ukraine — online.ua, News.online.ua, 05/24/2024
– Ukraine bolsters air defense with another German IRIS-T SLM system, Yahoo News Australia, 05/25/2024
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