JAKARTA - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said it was the German government's decision to send Patriot missiles or not to Ukraine, it was up to Berlin.
Germany has offered to send high-tech systems to Poland, where it can prevent Russian missile attacks from across the Ukrainian border.
But Poland has so far not accepted Germany's offer and suggested sending a Patriot system, which could defend against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and aircraft to Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was up to Germany to decide whether to supply Patriot missile defenses to Ukraine.
"I welcome Germany's offer to strengthen Polish air defenses, by offering to deploy Patriot batteries to Poland, following a tragic incident in Poland last week, in which two people lost their lives," Stoltenberg said.
"Sometimes, there's a final user deal and other things, so they need to consult with other allies, but in the end, it has to be taken by the national government."
Poland has asked Berlin to send the system to Ukraine instead, to help Kyiv defend himself.
"We have increased our presence by increasing the number of combat groups, increasing the number of troops on land, but also supported by significant air and naval capabilities," Stoltenberg said.
"And this includes a significant air defense system with fighter aircraft, ground-based air defense systems such as compatriots and, of course, also the naval air defense system," he continued.
On Friday, a spokesman for the German government said Berlin had recorded Warsaw' position. He added: "We are currently discussing with our allies how to deal with Polish advice."
Yesterday, the German Defense Minister said Berlin should discuss with NATO every proposal to send the Patriot system to Ukraine, as it is part of the alliance's unified defense.
So far, NATO has sent billions of dollars worth of weapons to Ukraine, to help fight Russia's invasion, including modern air defense systems.
Germany itself has provided Kyiv with the Iris-T system, as part of Western countries' efforts to increase Ukraine's protection against Russian attacks.
Stoltenberg said he would press a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Bucharest, Romania next week to increase shipments to Ukraine.
"The best way to increase the chances of a peaceful solution is to support Ukraine," he said.
"So NATO will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. We will not back down," he concluded.
The US and other NATO allies have so far not sent a long-range Patriot system to Ukraine. This system is an important part of the alliance's air defense for its eastern wing.
Washington has sent Patriot missiles to Poland and Berlin has placed them in Slovakia.
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