Germany’s largest military aid commitment since the war’s beginning was made on Saturday when it said it will give Ukraine a defence assistance package worth close to $3 billion.
According to a statement from the German Ministry of Defence, the package might include a range of military equipment, such as 30 Leopard tanks, armoured personnel carriers, reconnaissance drones, and ammunition.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated, “With this significant donation of desperately needed military equipment, we are once again demonstrating that Germany is serious about its support.
“We all pray for a swift conclusion to this horrific, illegal war being fought by Russia against the people of Ukraine. Unfortunately, there is still no sign of this. Therefore, Germany will offer all assistance it can for however long it takes,” Pistorius continued.
The chief of staff for the Ukrainian president, Andriy Yermak, acknowledged Germany’s support on Saturday and thanked them for their assistance.
The news follows the US’s announcement on Tuesday of a $1.2 billion aid package for Ukraine designed to “bolster its air defences” and “sustain its artillery ammunition needs,” with
A counteroffensive by Ukraine against Russian forces is imminent.
Germany has changed over time in how it supports Ukraine militarily. At first, the nation refused requests to send weapons to Kiev, settling instead to send only medical supplies and humanitarian aid. That strategy was consistent with Germany’s long-standing policy of refraining from delivering deadly weaponry to conflict areas.
Berlin stated earlier this year that it will give Kyiv Leopard 2 battle tanks in a significant policy U-turn. Berlin later confirmed in April that it would also supply Gepard anti-aircraft systems.
However, not everyone in Germany has supported their government’s choice, with hundreds protesting the shipment of weaponry to Ukraine earlier this year in Berlin and other German towns.
