German Chancellor Merz promised: Patriot missiles will arrive in Ukraine "in the near future"

This was announced by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London at a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to Merz, the deliveries will be made "very soon" and the systems themselves could become operational "within a few weeks".

The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with NATO to increase arms deliveries to Ukraine - with funding from European countries.

"Ukraine will receive additional depth strike assets. This is necessary for its defence. And help in this direction will come very soon," Merz emphasised, responding to a question from Politico.

As part of the US initiative, part of the Patriot complexes are expected to arrive in Ukraine in the coming days. This was announced by Trump on Monday. However, the timing of the deliveries has already raised doubts among experts. Some deliveries may be delayed due to complicated logistics and coordination between countries.

NATO Air Force Commander Alexus Hrynkiewicz confirmed that the process is already underway.

"Preparations are underway. We are working closely with Germany on the Patriot transfer," he said on Thursday.

Mertz and Starmer's press conference came on the sidelines of the German chancellor's official visit to Britain, where a new Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation was signed to deepen joint work in security and defence.

Keir Starmer made it clear during his speech that he sees the current US action as a strategic turnaround.

"It is absolutely clear that Trump now wants Putin to back down - and confirms this with concrete military support," the prime minister said.

Merz specified that defence ministers are now working on logistical details to implement Washington's proposal. According to the agreements reached, the European countries will provide Ukraine with the existing weapons and then replenish the stockpile by purchasing new weapons from the USA.

Both sides emphasised the importance of not only military but also economic support for Ukraine. In particular, Chancellor Merz called on the US President to agree on a new package of sanctions against Russia proposed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

"The pressure on Russia should be multi-level - and sanctions pressure plays a key role here," the German leader said.