It is the largest armaments package for Ukraine to date: the federal government is supplying tanks, weapons and ammunition worth more than 2.7 billion euros. One focus is again the strengthening of the air defense.
The federal government wants to support Ukraine with an extensive armaments package worth more than 2.7 billion euros. Among other things, the delivery of air defense systems, battle and infantry fighting vehicles, artillery ammunition and reconnaissance drones is planned, said the Federal Ministry of Defense.
“With this valuable contribution of urgently needed military material, we are showing once again that Germany is serious about its support,” said Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. An end to Russia’s illegal war against the Ukrainian people. is unfortunately not yet foreseeable. “Therefore, Germany will provide any help it can – as long as it takes,” said the SPD politician.
Among other things, a further 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 30 Leopard 1 tanks, 18 wheeled howitzers, 200 reconnaissance drones, four additional Iris-T air defense systems including ammunition, additional artillery ammunition and more than 100 armored combat vehicles are to be delivered. The weapons come from industrial stocks or industrial production.
Symbol of German solidarity
First, the “Spiegel” reported on the delivery. It is therefore the largest package of weapons that Germany has provided to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces since the beginning of the war in February 2022.
With the new delivery of weapons, the federal government is once again focusing on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense system. In addition to four other Iris-T-SLM air defense systems, twelve Iris-T-SLS launchers with hundreds of guided missiles are also to be supplied for the system.
Ukraine asks for fast delivery
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for speed with regard to the new German package of arms aid for his country. Ukraine always needs everything as soon as possible, said Kuleba on the sidelines of a meeting with colleagues from EU countries in Sweden. It would be appreciated if everything was done to expedite deliveries. Timetables can be discussed.
When asked when Ukraine’s planned counter-offensive against the Russian attackers will begin, Kuleba said that instead of asking when it will begin, it is better to ask whether enough has been done for it to start and be successful. “We want everyone to focus on that question,” he added.
Wadepuhl: Also use weapons against targets in Russia
The deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Johann Wadephul, is now calling for Ukraine to be allowed to use German weapons against targets on Russian territory. “Neither under international law nor politically is there any reason why Ukraine shouldn’t be allowed to attack targets in Russia,” the foreign policy expert told the Berlin daily Tagesspiegel.
Some time ago, Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed a consensus with Selenskyj that German weapons would not be used for attacks on Russian territory. Wadephul countered: “Why should an attacked country be restricted to defending itself only on its own territory?”
“Help effectively instead of tying your hands”
Ukraine must “be able to disrupt logistics and supplies beyond the border in order to be able to stop the war of aggression,” he said. “Germany must help Ukraine effectively instead of tying the country’s hands.”
Of course, Ukraine must maintain proportionality. But Wadephul sees this as a given: “Unlike Russia, Ukraine limits itself to attacks on industrial plants, tank farms, transport and military infrastructure. It doesn’t bomb residential complexes, hospitals or kindergartens – unlike Russia.”