Germany pledges $3 billion in new weapons to Ukraine amid war with Russia

On May 13, the government of Germany announced that it would give Ukraine further military assistance costing more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), which would include tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition.

The Announcement

The news came as arrangements were being made in Berlin for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s potential first trip to Germany since Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

Although Mr. Zelenskyy’s visit on May 14 has not yet been formally announced, it would be a sign that things have changed much for the better between Ukraine and Germany after a difficult time.

Boris Pistorius, the minister of defense, stated that Berlin wants to demonstrate “that Germany is serious in its support” for Ukraine with the most recent shipment of armaments. He further declared that Germany would offer whatever assistance was necessary.

Germany was initially hesitant to give Ukraine heavy weapons to assist it in fending off Russia’s invasion of concern that it may intensify the conflict. Berlin, though, agreed to send Leopard tanks in January and promised to coordinate with allies to send more.

The Package

More than 100 combat vehicles, 20 Marder armored personnel carriers, 18 self-propelled howitzers, 200 reconnaissance drones, four IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft systems, and other air defense equipment are included in the current military aid package.

In anticipation of Mr. Zelenskyy’s potential arrival, Berlin police announced this week that they are putting up security measures that will surround most of the city’s administrative center on Sunday.

As per The Hindu reports, in July 2021, Mr. Zelenskyy last traveled to Berlin. He also attended the Munich Security Conference the following February, just days before Russia started its full-fledged invasion of Ukraine.

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