The German government announced on Saturday that it will extend further military assistance to Ukraine, valued at over 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion). This aid package will include tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition. The announcement coincided with ongoing preparations in Berlin for a potential visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which would mark his first trip to Germany since the Russian invasion began.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Berlin wants to show with the latest package of arms “that Germany is serious in its support” for Ukraine. “Germany will provide all the help it can, as long as it takes,” he said.
Ukraine has urged its allies to supply it with long-range weapons, fighter jets, and ammunition in preparation for an anticipated counteroffensive in the upcoming weeks or months. As part of the aid efforts, Germany announced on Saturday that it would provide 18 howitzers to Ukraine.
Initially, Germany had reservations about providing Ukraine with heavy weaponry, concerned that it could intensify the conflict. However, in January, Berlin reversed its stance and agreed to send Leopard tanks, also expressing its commitment to collaborating with other allies to offer further assistance to Ukraine.