Berlin is keen to expand its support to Ukraine as the government in Kyiv prepares for an anticipated counteroffensive against Russia’s invasion of the country.
The German government has approved a new €2.7 billion package of weapons for Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters on Saturday. The package, first reported by German outlet Spiegel, is Berlin’s largest arms delivery to Ukraine since the beginning of the war in February 2022.
“We all wish for a speedy end to this terrible and illegal war,” Pistorius said. “Unfortunately, this is not yet foreseeable.”
“Therefore, Germany will provide any help it can — as long as it takes,” he added.
The planned shipments include armored vehicles, drones and air-defense systems, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president’s office, said on Telegram on Saturday. The package also includes “a large amount of ammunition,” he said.
The new package will be formally announced on Sunday in parallel with the presentation of the Charlemagne Prize to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Aachen, according to a report by Spiegel. Ukraine should receive the equipment in the coming weeks and months, the outlet said.
Zelensky is traveling to Rome on Saturday for talks with Italian officials and Pope Francis. That trip could be followed by a visit to Berlin. German officials have not confirmed the visit, but Berlin police have opened an investigation after details of a possible trip appeared in the media.
Between January 1, 2022, and April 24, 2023, Germany exported about the same amount of military goods, according to government figures.
