BERLIN 

Germany is in talks with the US to purchase Patriot missile systems and deliver them to Ukraine, according to multiple media reports on Friday.

The Bild daily, which first reported on the topic, said the German government has stepped in after the Trump administration recently paused some munitions shipments to Ukraine, including air defense systems.

According to the report, Berlin has conveyed its proposal to the US administration and is currently awaiting approval from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for two Patriot air defense systems, which Germany will finance.

On Friday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's spokesman confirmed that talks regarding this matter were ongoing, while emphasizing it was just one of several options being considered to meet Ukraine's military needs.

Asked about Bild's report during a press briefing in Berlin, Stefan Kornelius responded: "There are various ways to fill this Patriot gap. You have just mentioned one. I can confirm that in-depth discussions are indeed taking place on this."

Defense Ministry spokesman Mitko Muller also said there have been talks with the US and allies on how to maintain and further strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

"Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will travel to Washington in mid-July and discuss these matters with his counterpart. These topics will naturally be addressed during the visit," he told reporters.