Boris Pistorius
Boris Pistorius is a German politician of the Social Democratic Party of Germany who has served as Federal Minister of Defence of Germany since 2022 in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government. Before entering federal office, he built his career in the regional politics of Lower Saxony, including as interior and sports minister of the state. He is known for advocating a stronger German defence capability and for his role in decisions on military aid to Ukraine, including air defence systems.
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At virtual Ramstein meeting, Germany announces Patriot interceptors and 'City Dome' shield for Ukraine
At the 36th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on 8 September, held virtually, Germany announced the urgent transfer of PAC-2 Patriot interceptors and additional AIM-9 missiles from Bundeswehr stocks, launched the 'City Dome' project to shield Ukrainian cities from drone and missile strikes, and committed to financing tens of thousands of long-range artillery shells. The UK pledged £100 million through PURL for air defense, the EU approved financing for 3.2 billion euros of Patriot missiles, and Ukraine outlined plans to contract around 1,000 Patriot missiles and several thousand additional IRIS-T missiles with partner support. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said civilian deaths in Ukraine are at their highest since May 2022 and warned that delays cost lives.