Germany Announces $3.25 Billion in Military Aid for Ukraine

Germany Announces $3.25 Billion in Military Aid for Ukraine

Berlin: Germany has approved a new military aid package of 3 billion euros ($3.25 billion) for Ukraine, which is crucial for Ukraine’s war preparations and defense. This assistance will support Ukraine's military, fighting against Russian forces, and will include ammunition, drones, armored vehicles, and air defense systems.

This new military aid is an addition to the 4 billion euros already approved in Germany's 2025 budget for Ukraine. Additionally, a further 8.3 billion euros have been allocated for Ukraine from 2026 to 2029.

The German Parliament's budget committee approved the funds, which had been delayed due to months of unrest within the coalition government. However, on Friday, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz's leadership, the government approved a new spending package that eased Germany's strict debt policy in the military sector, allowing for more effective spending.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Germany for the new support, stating, "This will provide Ukraine with the most necessary things — things that will save Ukrainian lives."

German parliament member Britta Hasselmann, who has strongly supported aid for Ukraine, expressed satisfaction with the release of these funds, though she noted that it came somewhat late. She called it "a strong signal for Ukraine," which is extremely important for peace and security in Europe.

This new funding is added to the 4 billion euros planned for military aid to Ukraine in 2025, with an additional 8.3 billion euros allocated for the coming years. Germany is the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, having previously provided 28 billion euros since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

Additionally, Germany will supply Ukraine with necessary air defense systems, particularly the German-made Iris-T system, which will be delivered over the next two years, from 2025 to 2029.

Chancellor Scholz and his team have repeatedly stated that Germany will continue to support Ukraine and will do so in the future. "Ukraine can rely on us, and we will never leave them alone," Scholz said on Thursday at the European Council summit.