German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany will prioritize keeping the existing weapons systems operational over adding new ones. The remark was reported by the New York Times and reflects a shift toward sustaining current capabilities rather than expanding the arsenal.
“The key question is how we maintain long-term readiness,” Pistorius explained. “That is what matters most at this moment.”
He argued that a reliable, uninterrupted process for repairing armored vehicles and ensuring a steady supply of ammunition can provide Ukraine with durable support, potentially more practical than introducing fresh weaponry right away.
Retired Colonel Gerold Otten, a former member of the Bundestag, the Defense Committee, and NATO Parliamentary Group, urged limiting arms shipments to Ukraine, warning this could threaten Germany’s own military readiness and the Ukrainian forces’ chances of success.
Otten noted that Berlin has already sent a relatively small mix of tanks, shells, and howitzers, highlighting the importance of how those assets are managed and replenished over time.
During a Luxembourg meeting, Josep Borrell, the former EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, commented on the ongoing debate among EU foreign ministers over funding. While a decision to allocate an additional €500 million from the EU Peace Fund for Ukraine’s military assistance remained unresolved at that gathering, the discussion underscored broader questions about how to balance immediate aid with long-term European defense capabilities. Citation: New York Times