In a bold and high-stakes diplomatic move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly called on US President Donald Trump to authorize additional deliveries of Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, intensifying transatlantic pressure over the future of Western military support in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Speaking at a security policy conference in Rome on July 10, Merz reiterated Berlin’s strong commitment to Ukraine’s defense and urged Washington to match Europe’s ongoing military contributions. He emphasized that Germany is prepared to purchase US-made Patriot systems outright for the explicit purpose of transferring them to Ukraine, a country that has consistently pleaded for greater air defense support amid relentless Russian missile strikes.

Chancellor Merz’s remarks mark a significant departure from Berlin’s historically cautious approach to military engagement. Since taking office earlier this year, Merz has pursued an assertive foreign policy stance, pledging to bolster Germany’s role as a leader in European security and pushing for increased military aid to Ukraine.

“We are in close contact with the American government and President Trump,” Merz said in Rome. “Germany is ready to buy Patriot systems from the US to make them available to Ukraine. We know the US needs many for their own defense, but we also understand that there are still a considerable number in stock, and this is a matter of political will.”

Merz’s framing of the issue underscores growing European frustration with the Trump administration’s Ukraine policy. Since returning to the White........

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