While Ukraine is signing contracts with partners for the supply of about 1,000 Patriot missiles for its air defense systems ahead of the winter, Germany announced it would urgently transfer the PAC-2 missiles to Ukraine from its own Bundeswehr stocks.
Speaking ahead of the 36th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein format), which took place in the form of a video conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the decision, specifying that the missiles would come from existing stockpiles rather than future deliveries.
“I realize that it is not easy to balance between my own security requirements and the urgently necessary support for Ukraine,” Pistorius said, according to European Pravda.
“But, please, if you doubt, decide for the benefit of Ukraine. From NATO’s point of view, further significant deliveries of Patriot launchers by its allies are acceptable,” he continued.
During the same meeting, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara said contracts are being signed with allies for the supply of about 1,000 Patriot missiles using the EU loan.
“I ask you to adopt the necessary financial decisions by November, so we can already see results on the battlefield this winter,” Khmara said according to Interfax-Ukraine, adding that “up to 90% of our success on the battlefield depends on drones.”
EU bends its own rules due to immediate needs on the battlefield
EU member states agreed to allow Ukraine to use €3.2 billion ($3.7 billion) on Tuesday, with the technical decision expected to be finalized by Sept. 11.
According to sources cited by European Pravda, the decision has already been made, although technical preparations must be finished before the funds can be allocated.
“Together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, I welcome the agreement by Member States on the derogation for Ukraine to purchase crucial products for Patriot air defense systems,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier that same day, confirming the agreement.
The European Commission had previously said Ukraine requested permission to use several billion euros from the loan to purchase PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot air defense systems.
How the EU loan works
Ukraine procures defense equipment using funds from the EU’s €90 billion (roughly $105 billion) Ukraine Support Loan, which requires most defense spending to go to suppliers in the EU or European Economic Area.
Under the program, defense purchases Ukraine makes using the EU funds cannot have more than 35% of their total cost sourced outside the bloc.
However, Kyiv is allowed to obtain components it urgently needs to deter Russian ballistic missiles, including Chinese drone components and PAC-2 missiles, if EU-made alternatives cannot meet its operational needs, including cost, delivery times or production volume.
The package includes €30 billion ($35 billion) in economic support and €60 billion ($70 billion) in military assistance, and it was approved by EU member states in April for 2026-27.
Initially, the EU released €3.9 billion ($4.6 billion) for drones in June, followed by €6.1 billion ($7.1 billion) for defense procurement earlier in August, according to Euronews.
For each exemption, Ukraine must submit detailed procurement information, including contracts identifying the equipment, supplier and delivery timetable, which the EU commission reviews before releasing the funds.
On Aug. 25, France sought to limit Ukraine’s ability to use EU-backed funding by shortening the duration of exemptions.
Separately on Tuesday, Britain announced it would provide Ukraine with a £100 million ($116 million) military aid package that includes Patriot missiles and other air defense equipment.
The weapons will be supplied through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) as Ukraine continues preparing for the upcoming winter.