Germany will not provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems because doing so would create unacceptable gaps in its own military defenses, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said, calling on other Western allies to take greater responsibility for supplying Kyiv.

In an interview with Berliner Morgenpost, reported by German outlet Focus, Pistorius explained that Germany has already transferred several Patriot systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine but cannot continue drawing from its military stockpiles without compromising its own defense capabilities. Replacing the equipment remains difficult because deliveries and production cannot keep pace with the demands placed on Germany's military.

Pistorius said other countries must now contribute more to Ukraine's air defense efforts rather than relying on Germany to provide additional systems. His comments come as Russia continues launching missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure and other critical facilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly pressed Western governments to accelerate deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles, particularly as Ukraine prepares for another winter of Russian attacks against its energy network. Zelenskyy met with Pistorius in Berlin on November 4 to discuss speeding up shipments of German-made PAC-2 missiles used by Patriot batteries.

Ukraine has a contract to purchase the missiles over the next two years, but Kyiv wants deliveries accelerated to address its immediate shortages. The two officials also discussed additional military assistance, including IRIS-T air defense systems and ammunition for Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets.

Although Germany has ruled out transferring additional Patriot systems, Pistorius' position does not mean Berlin is ending its support for interceptor missile deliveries. Germany is still working to supply Ukraine with additional ammunition, but replenishing its own inventories remains a significant challenge. Production of PAC-2 GEM-T interceptor missiles in Germany is also only beginning to get underway.

Germany and Britain are coordinating with other Western allies to identify additional air defense systems and missiles that could be made available to Ukraine. The countries hope to develop a broader plan before the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, scheduled for November 17 in Brussels.

Pistorius also pointed to limited replenishments of Patriot equipment and missiles from the United States as another obstacle to meeting Ukraine's requirements. The combined supply constraints have increased pressure on European governments to find alternative sources of air defense equipment while maintaining their own military readiness.

The shortage has become increasingly urgent as Russia continues targeting Ukraine's power infrastructure ahead of the winter months. Zelenskyy has warned that additional interceptors are essential to protecting civilians, maintaining electricity supplies and preventing further damage to critical facilities.

Beyond military assistance, Pistorius expressed skepticism about the prospects for a swift ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Representatives from the United States, Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 for another round of U.S.-mediated peace discussions. The talks are expected to address security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian concerns and potential steps toward ending the war.

The German defense minister questioned whether President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts would produce a breakthrough, arguing that any meaningful progress depends largely on Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to negotiate. He expressed little confidence that the current approach would quickly produce a ceasefire, much less a lasting peace.

Pistorius also rejected the prospect of Washington and Moscow negotiating an agreement without Ukraine's participation or at Kyiv's expense. He emphasized that European countries must have their security interests represented in any settlement, warning against decisions that determine Ukraine's future without involving the country itself and its allies.

Germany's position highlights the growing difficulty Western governments face in balancing continued military assistance to Ukraine with their own defense requirements. While Berlin remains involved in supplying weapons and ammunition, Pistorius is making clear that Germany cannot continue transferring major air defense systems at the expense of its national security.