The German government is at a crossroads over a proposed €3 billion military aid package for Ukraine. While the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry back the initiative, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has withheld approval, arguing there are sufficient funds in the current budget for 2025.
This internal disagreement highlights a broader tension within Germany’s governing coalition regarding continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian advances.
According to Der Spiegel, the aid proposal, spearheaded by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Greens and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius of the SPD, seeks to address urgent Ukrainian military needs. These include air defense systems, guided missiles, artillery, and ammunition. The initiative emerged amidst heightened Russian aggression and concerns about Ukraine’s deteriorating military position.
The proposal aims to secure funding through “above-budget” spending under Section 60, a mechanism previously used to allocate additional resources for Ukraine. Advocates argue that such action would reaffirm Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense.
However, Chancellor Scholz has opposed the measure. His office cites concerns about burdening the incoming federal government, as Germany approaches elections in February. Scholz has also expressed confidence in the current €4 billion allocated for 2025 and noted Ukraine’s access to a €50 billion G7 loan funded by frozen Russian assets.
The timing of this debate is critical. The recent collapse of Germany’s coalition government in November 2024 and uncertainty surrounding U.S. support for Ukraine following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory add layers of complexity to the decision-making process.
Military experts in Ukraine have outlined the urgency of additional support, noting the need for systems like Iris-T air defense batteries and wheeled howitzers. These items, they argue, are crucial for countering intensified Russian offensives and stabilizing Ukraine’s defenses.
Despite the urgency, Scholz’s office has resisted. Informal communications from his team to the Bundestag indicate no intention to support a supplementary budget for the proposed aid. This has led to weeks of internal debate, with no resolution in sight.
Germany’s Defense Minister Pistorius recently emphasized the need for air defense systems in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
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