German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius visited a short-range air defense position and an energy facility in Kyiv that has come under Russian attacks.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Pistorius was shown how Ukraine’s air defense system works:
- modern counter-drone systems against Shahed-type drones;
- mobile fire groups;
- technologies that help shoot down enemy targets.
“For Ukraine, it was important to show this specifically to Germany. Last winter was one of the most difficult for our country—Russia nearly doubled the number of attacks. Over several months, the enemy launched more than 1,000 ballistic and cruise missiles and 27,000 Shahed-type drones. The main target was Ukraine’s energy sector and large-scale blackouts during cold spells down to -20°C,” the Defence Ministry stressed, adding that Ukraine held out thanks to its military and the support of partners.
Germany has become one of the key leaders in strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses: the country provided us with Patriot missiles and financed PURL, among other support.
“Each such missile saved lives and helped protect Ukraine’s energy system,” Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhaylo Fedorov emphasized.
He noted that Ukraine is now shooting down about 90% of Russian drones and nearly 80% of cruise missiles.
“Ballistic missiles remain a difficult challenge, but together with Germany we are working on solutions—additional Patriot missiles, the PURL mechanism, and the creation of our own European sovereign anti-ballistic capability,” Fedorov said.
- As a reminder, Pistorius is on a visit to Ukraine. Earlier, together with Fedorov, they signed a letter of intent to launch Brave Germany, a joint program to develop defense technologies and support innovative startups. It provides grant support for Ukrainian and German startups working on critically important areas of defense tech.