Germany's support is in line with its commitment to "reliably and actively support Ukraine." "We will also provide nearly 50 missiles for IRIS-T systems," he said, noting that the supply of weapons to Ukraine is best kept under the leadership of the United States,

The U.S. is expected to announce $500 million in military aid for Ukraine on Thursday at a final gathering of President Joe Biden's weapons pledging conferences, meetings Kyiv says have been critical to its defense against Russia.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he will again ask his allies to boost the country's air defenses at this week’s meeting in Germany.

Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as U.S. president, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday an allies' group aimed at speeding arms to Ukraine was best kept under U.S. leadership but would adapt if Washington changes its involvement.

BERLIN (Reuters) -German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday that a regular gathering of allies aimed at speeding up and synchronising arms deliveries to Ukraine was best kept under U.S.