Google News
Germany has unveiled plans to significantly bolster its military aid to Ukraine in the upcoming year, a move that is set to double the financial support provided to the Eastern European nation. According to a report from the prominent German newspaper Bild, the military budget allocated for Ukraine, which was initially set at four billion euros, is poised to soar to an impressive eight billion euros following approval from the ruling coalition's parties.
The final endorsement of this decision is still pending, awaiting approval from the budget committee of the Bundestag, which is expected to convene next week. The increased funding is anticipated to translate into a substantial augmentation of weaponry and ammunition for Ukraine, fortifying its defensive capabilities in the ongoing conflict with Russia, as highlighted by Bild.
Andreas Schwartz, a budget expert affiliated with the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), lauded the decision to double military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing its correctness and significance. Schwartz also underscored the accomplishment of meeting the NATO quota of 2.1 percent, portraying it as a noteworthy success.
Initially, the Ministry of Finance had earmarked four billion euros for military aid in the federal budget for the year 2024. However, the majority of this allocation had already been designated for prearranged projects. In response to the evolving situation, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius advocated for an additional five billion euros during the budget negotiations.
Ultimately, a consensus was reached to provide an extra four billion in aid for the year 2024, supplemented by an additional two billion euros that the Ministry of Defense can utilize within the framework of authorizations for long-term defense contracts.
This robust financial commitment solidifies Germany's position as a leading contributor to Ukraine's military endeavors, second only to the United States of America. The country has already disbursed over 17 billion euros in military aid from February 24, 2022, to July 31 of the current year.
The move reflects Germany's proactive stance in supporting Ukraine's defense and aligning itself with international security imperatives.