German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced further arms aid worth 1.4 billion euros for the Ukrainian defense campaign this year. Apparently there is room for that in our own budget.
If parliament agrees next week, around 400 million euros would have to be financed from the defense budget, the SPD politician told the German Press Agency in Berlin.
One billion euros is available through so-called partner investments, that is, money that Germany has raised from partners for aid to Ukraine. “Spiegel” had previously reported on the packaging.
The pack contains ammunition and tanks
“Our goal is primarily to help Ukraine repel the many Russian airstrikes,” Pistorius said. “If we do not do this, it would have fatal consequences for the civilian population. “Russia could destroy even more energy companies in the coming cold season and force people to flee.”
The money could also be used to repair destroyed weapons systems and provide spare parts. “Delaying this support would have fatal consequences for Ukraine.”
According to information from “Spiegel”, the 50 planned individual items include an ammunition package for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, another 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, numerous reconnaissance and attack drones, and extensive packages of spare parts for already delivered weapon systems. According to an internal template, the projects “should be largely implemented and applied to the battlefield this year.”
Parliament must agree
In a letter from the Ministry of Finance to the Bundestag’s Budget Committee, it is said that the money will be used to purchase military equipment for the Ukrainian army – in particular air defense, drones and protective equipment. State Secretary of Finance Florian Toncar (FDP), who signed the letter, warns of the danger that “Ukraine will collapse in its defense struggle without significantly increased material support.”
According to the German Finance Ministry, around 1.42 billion euros will be needed to support Ukraine by the end of the year. That is 397 million euros more than planned in the budget and therefore requires approval by the Bundestag.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
