In January, Germany will deploy Patriot air defence systems in Rzeszow, Poland, near the Ukrainian border.
According to Radio Svoboda, this was announced by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
‘We know very well how important Rzeszow is as a logistics hub, as a logistics hub when it comes to helping Ukraine. I don't have a detailed schedule of my meetings for the next two weeks, especially given the election campaign in Germany, but I will be going to Rzeszow in January to ensure that Patriot defence systems start operating there this month,’ the German politician said.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz added that the final details are being agreed upon.
According to him, since January this year, NATO has taken on a greater role in coordinating the security of the Jasionka airport in Rzeszow.
‘And here our allies have declared their readiness. Minister Pistorius was the first to announce his assistance in support and protection, and I am very grateful for that. 'Jasionka is a key port for supporting Ukraine, both in humanitarian and other aspects. More than 90% of the aid goes through Poland, so this allied support is all the more necessary,' Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
According to the publication, earlier, on 9 January, the German Aid to Ukraine monitoring project reported that Germany plans to deploy two batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems in Poland for six months to protect the logistics hub, as well as to deploy 200 of its military.
In addition to Germany, the military from Norway has been protecting the airport in Rzeszow since December 2024. The country has deployed soldiers, a NASAMS air defence system and four F-35 fighter jets to Poland.
- Today, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Ukraine for talks with the government.