Lambrecht: Patriot defense system for Poland

Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) wants to help Poland with a Patriot defense system after the missile hit. The minister called Düsseldorf “Rheinische Post” and Bonn “General-Anzeiger”.

“It is our primary responsibility that NATO does not become a war party,” continued Lambrecht. “We must always keep our composure.” As a result of the incident in Poland last week, the alliance’s air defense should be improved.

“This is especially true for NATO partners such as Poland, Slovakia and the Baltic States, which have direct borders with Russia and Ukraine,” Lambrecht said.

Germany already supports Slovakia with Eurofighters and Patriot air defense systems. “We want to expand our presence there until the end of 2023, possibly even later,” Lambrecht said.

A rocket hit the Polish village of Przewodow, just six kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Two civilians died.

Currently, the West assumes that it is a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile used to defend against attacks by the Russian army. But according to international politics, the overall responsibility lies with Russia.

The Federal Minister of Defense also stressed: “From the information we have received from the Americans and from Poland, there is a lot of evidence that this is not a Russian missile. […] But even if this missile was launched from Ukraine to fend off a Russian attack, one thing is clear: The reason is Moscow, not Kiev.” The investigation into the incident continues.