German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for declaring a state of emergency in Germany to accelerate military aid to Ukraine.
As reported by The Moscow Times, Scholz warns that European security is at stake as the U.S. and Russia begin peace talks.
Speaking to lawmakers, the German Chancellor stressed that Germany must step up support for Kyiv immediately in response to shifting U.S. policy under Donald Trump. He urged the Bundestag (Germany’s parliament) to invoke Article 115 of the country's Basic Law, allowing emergency measures to bypass financial restrictions.
"Our support for Ukraine is now more important than ever," Scholz stated. "We cannot let it come at the expense of our citizens—this is a crisis that demands extraordinary action."
Germany Reacts to Trump-Putin Talks
Scholz admitted that the Trump-Putin call on February 12 was expected, but insisted that Europe must respond with strength. While he welcomed Trump’s push for peace, he warned that a “dictated peace” favoring Moscow would be a disaster for European stability.
"A Russian victory and the collapse of Ukraine would not bring peace—it would spread instability across Europe and beyond," Scholz warned.
Following the Trump-Putin call, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the EU issued a joint statement demanding a seat at the table.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reinforced the point, declaring: "Europe must play a central role in any Ukraine negotiations."
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Germany has become Ukraine’s second-largest military supporter after the U.S., committing €44 billion in aid. For 2025, Berlin plans to allocate another €4 billion, though the budget has yet to pass.
Now, Scholz’s emergency proposal could allow faster and larger aid packages, avoiding political gridlock at a time when Trump’s evolving Ukraine stance has rattled U.S. allies.
Is Europe Being Sidelined?
The Trump-Putin call has shocked European leaders, with one EU diplomat calling it a 'preemptive surrender' of Ukraine.
Bloomberg reports that many European allies feel blindsided, as Washington appears to be taking the lead in negotiations without prior consultation with the EU.
Trump, however, insists that both Ukraine and Russia are eager for a deal, and his team is already planning talks in Munich and Saudi Arabia.
