 "Germany, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. AFP")
Germany is set to provide nearly €400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine in 2024
The additional funding is expected to go towards drones, air defence equipment, and other military supplies that are required “without delay”, according to a finance ministry document addressed to the parliamentary budget committee and seen by AFP.
The document mentioned the urgent need to boost Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid intensified fighting with Russian forces.
Berlin has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the start of the conflict. In fact, it is the second-largest contributor of military aid to Kyiv after the United States.
Germany had already earmarked around €7.5 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2024, but this new allocation is necessary to meet Ukraine’s immediate needs on the battlefield.
Germany’s commitment despite budget cuts
The finance ministry’s document said that recent Russian advances in eastern Ukraine have led to “heavy material losses” for Ukrainian forces, according to the AFP report. It warned that without a “significant increase in support,” Ukraine could face serious setbacks in its defence struggle.
The document notes that the additional funds are essential to ensure that the provided military equipment can have an immediate impact on the battlefield.
The German government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.
Domestic pressure mounting
This increased commitment, however, is serving to increase the pressure on German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. The timing of the action is also politically sensitive.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsRecent regional elections in September saw significant gains by parties opposed to Berlin’s continued support for Ukraine, placing Scholz under domestic pressure to justify further aid amid economic challenges at home.
Despite these plans for additional aid, Berlin is also preparing to reduce its budget for Ukraine in 2024 to around €4.4 billion as part of broader cost-cutting measures.
With inputs from AFP