The German Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday that a new military aid package worth 2.7 billion euros has been delivered to Ukraine.
The shipment includes 30 Leopard 1 tanks, 15 Gepard autonomous anti-aircraft armored vehicles, four IRIS-T-SLM air defense systems, 20 Marder armored vehicles, 200 reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles, 100 light armored personnel carriers, 100 logistics and support vehicles, and ammunition. The report about these details came from Der Spiegel in the final hours of the announcement.
According to the ministry, the latest package nearly doubles Germany’s total arms aid to Ukraine since the war began in February 2022. Berlin had previously approved an arms shipment totaling 2.75 billion euros.
“With this significant contribution of urgently needed military material, Germany reaffirms its serious commitment to supporting Ukraine”, stated German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. “Sadly, the war is not drawing to a close. Germany will provide assistance for as long as it is required.”
Reports indicate this aid shipment was designed as a symbol of Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine, coinciding with the Aachen Charlemagne Prize being awarded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was set to visit Germany for the ceremony on Sunday.
Reacting to the announcement, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged that the aid be delivered to Ukraine as swiftly as possible. In remarks during the second day of the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Stockholm, Kuleba emphasized Ukraine’s ongoing need for rapid support.
Borrell wants more ammo
The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, welcomed the new shipment and stressed that Ukraine requires ammunition to sustain momentum against Russia. He highlighted the intensity of fighting in areas such as the Bakhmut region, noting that Ukrainian forces need around 1,000 artillery shells daily to keep pace with Russian bombardment. The ongoing exchange underscores the scale and persistence of the conflict, underscoring Ukraine’s chances to resist at critical moments.
Borrell also noted the positive momentum generated by the German aid package, particularly after news of long-range shells. He urged other nations to consider similar contributions, stressing the importance of coordinated action and concrete capabilities rather than generic assurances. He remarked that the distance of Russian strikes means Kyiv must be equipped to reach comparable ranges. He cautioned that not just any ammunition will suffice and called for precise, capable munitions that fit the needs on the ground. This stance reflects a broader European strategy to align military support with evolving battlefield demands and to avoid gaps in defense capabilities across the alliance. (Source attributions: Der Spiegel; EU statements, as summarized in Brussels briefings.)