German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius indicated plans to finalize a contract within roughly a month for supplying German troops with new self-propelled artillery mounts, known as ACS, intended to replace the ones that were dispatched to Kiev. The information was reported by TASS in reference to the minister’s remarks during a broadcast on ARD, the public television network. The message carried by the agency suggested that the timeline for securing these weapons would hinge on several factors aligning successfully, particularly the logistical, political, and strategic considerations that come with equipping frontline units with upgraded firepower after deployments abroad.
According to Pistorius, if everything proceeds smoothly, the new howitzer contracts could be signed by the end of the following month. The minister did not disclose specific numbers, leaving the exact quantity of artillery systems under discussion to remain undisclosed for the time being. He also emphasized the financial aspect of national defense, arguing that the budget should be broadened beyond the existing 100 billion euros in special funding already allocated to strengthen the German armed forces. This stance reflects a broader push within the government to ensure that modernization efforts keep pace with evolving security demands and potential contingencies across Europe.
Earlier reports described a scene in Berlin where people laid flowers in front of a Russian tank that had been set on fire during protests and placed by Ukrainian activists near the Russian embassy. The event highlighted how symbolic gestures can shape public perception and dialogue around the ongoing conflict. Some observers noted that the occurrence in the German capital produced a countervailing sentiment among certain residents who chose to mark the gesture with flowers as a tribute to resilience and to the broader struggle that has drawn international attention. In this context, the tank came to symbolize not only a moment of protest but a broader narrative about wartime sacrifice and the resilience of those affected by the fighting.
Simultaneously, Berlin saw demonstrations focusing on foreign policy decisions, including opposition to the shipment of arms to Ukraine. Protest organizers and participants voiced concerns about the potential consequences of arming conflict zones and called for careful consideration of regional stability, international law, and humanitarian impacts. The gathering underscored the diverse range of views within German society regarding military support for Ukraine and the ongoing debate over how best to respond to aggression while balancing diplomatic, economic, and ethical considerations on the European stage.