Germany is in advanced talks with the US to secure at least two additional Patriot air-defense systems for Ukraine as Russia steps up its drone and missile attacks and Washington places a hold on weapons deliveries this week.

Germany was exploring the possibility of purchasing more Patriot air defence systems from the United States for Ukraine, a government spokesman said Friday, as Russia intensifies its aerial attacks.

German government spokesman Stefan Cornelius has confirmed that Germany is conducting intensive negotiations with the United States on the supply of Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine amid large-scale Russian attacks and the suspension of some US supplies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.