Washington, D.C. (Agencies): The United States has approved the transfer of 100 Patriot air-defense missiles and 125 long-range artillery rockets from German stockpiles to Ukraine, the New York Times reported on Friday. The decision follows strict US export regulations, which mandate prior approval from Washington before American-made military equipment can be re-exported.
The move comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with Russia declaring a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, in observance of Victory Day. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended a proposal for direct peace talks in Istanbul on May 15.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has repeatedly sought advanced weaponry, particularly Patriot missile systems and long-range rockets, as part of Kiev’s defense strategy. Zelensky recently announced Ukraine’s willingness to invest $30-50 billion in US-made military assets or secure production licenses for critical defense systems. The Patriot missile system, which carries a price tag exceeding $1 billion per unit, requires approximately 90 personnel to operate.
Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has not authorized additional military aid for Ukraine. Previously sanctioned weapons shipments under former President Joe Biden have now been nearly depleted. The New York Times reports that the Trump administration has shown little interest in expanding aid, urging European NATO allies to shoulder a greater share of responsibility in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday ratified a landmark agreement granting Washington preferential access to rare-earth elements and other strategic natural resources. Originally signed in April, the pact aims to establish a joint investment fund to bolster Ukraine’s economic recovery. Though the agreement does not extend formal security assurances, Ukrainian officials perceive it as a stepping stone toward deeper military cooperation with the United States.
Germany, which has been a major military supplier to Ukraine, previously signaled supply constraints affecting additional Patriot missile deliveries. However, Berlin has confirmed plans to provide:
- Four IRIS-T SLM air-defense systems,
- 30 additional missiles,
- 60 mine-resistant vehicles,
- 50,000 artillery shells,
- One IRIS-T interceptor missile.
The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has opted to discontinue public disclosure of its military shipments, citing the need for strategic ambiguity regarding its assistance to Ukraine.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the latest US weapons transfer approval highlights Washington’s ongoing role in Ukraine’s defense strategy, despite the shifting policy stance within the current administration.