Ukraine will receive a new German weapons package worth half a billion euros to bolster its defense against Russia. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced this during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umjerow, in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa.
According to Tagesschau, the package includes anti-aircraft equipment, tanks, ammunition, and spare parts.
Pistorius stressed, "We will continue to support you in this defensive battle."
Some of the material is ready for immediate delivery. Umjerow expressed gratitude to Germany and urged other partners to intensify their support for Ukraine.
The new weapons package features missiles for the "Iris-T SLM" air defense systems and drones for reconnaissance and combat operations in the Black Sea.
Additionally, urgently needed equipment such as replacement barrels for artillery systems and replacement engines for battle tanks will be provided. The delivery of 18 new wheeled howitzers is scheduled to begin in 2025.
Germany will also finance industrial training courses for Ukrainian technicians and provide funds for secure satellite communications.
However, Pistorius did not clarify whether German weapons could be used against military positions on Russian territory. In an interview with Tagesthemen, Pistorius acknowledged that international law permits such use but referred to bilateral agreements between the supplying countries and Ukraine, which are not intended for public disclosure.
This "polyphony" complicates the sensible and responsible handling of these issues. Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently made evasive comments on this matter, stressing that Germany would not participate directly in the war against Russia.
