Germany approves new €2.7 billion arms package for Ukraine
Berlin extends support for Ukraine as the government in Kiev prepares for an anticipated counteroffensive against Russia's invasion of the country. The German government has approved a new €2.7 billion arms package for Ukraine, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday, as quoted by Politico.
The package, first reported by Germany's Spiegel , is Berlin's largest arms delivery to Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022.
"We all want a swift end to this terrible and illegal war. Unfortunately, this is not yet foreseeable. Therefore, Germany will provide any help - as long as it is needed," Pistorius said.
The planned deliveries include armoured vehicles, drones and air defence systems, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president's office, told Telegram on Saturday. The package also includes "a large amount of ammunition," he said.
The new package will be officially announced on Sunday, on the sidelines of the presentation of the Charles the Great prize to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Aachen, according to a Spiegel report. Ukraine is expected to receive the equipment in the coming weeks and months, the press wrote.
Zelensky is in Rome today for talks with Italian officials and Pope Francis. This visit 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 emerged in the press.
Between 1 January 2022 and 24 April 2023, Germany exported about the same amount of military goods, according to government figures.
