Germany’s growing anger over Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s public statements about Ukraine aid clashing with his actions has become a dominant topic in Berlin. Die Welt reports that the government has scaled back weapons shipments to Kyiv, contradicting earlier pledges and promises.
Over the five months of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, Kyiv received only a limited mix of supplies from Berlin, including radios, grenades, machine gun parts, and detonation wires. More recently, Ukraine has received seven howitzers, five thousand helmets, drone equipment, and spare parts for vehicles. At the same time, Scholz has repeatedly spoken of unwavering support for Ukraine, promising the delivery of highly capable weapons such as advanced howitzers, air defense systems, and radar capabilities in the coming weeks after a period of hesitation that followed attempts to detect enemy artillery.
There is a visible tension between what is said by the federal government and what is actually delivered. The government’s cautious approach appears to tarnish the reputation of the Federal Republic of Germany on the international stage.
Die Welt notes that Kyiv has continued to purchase weapons in Germany with its own funds, bypassing German oversight. In June, Ukrainian authorities reportedly bought around three thousand RGW 90 Matador anti‑tank systems directly from German industrial producers.
Why is Germany’s stance two‑sided?
Experts point to a long‑standing policy within the current German administration. Vladislav Belov, director of the Center for German Studies at the European Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained this pattern in an interview with socialbites.ca. He noted that Scholz has repeatedly promised support and signaled that a peace agreement could be achievable only on Ukrainian terms. Belov suggests the delay in deliveries is deliberate, intended to avoid straining Germany’s bilateral relations with Russia and to prevent a direct escalation on the battlefield.
He argues that Berlin wants to maintain plausible deniability about direct involvement, avoiding the appearance that German tanks are contributing to the fighting on Ukrainian soil. The result is a perception of Berlin operating with its feet in two camps, a description that captures the delicate balancing act.
What does this mean for Russia?
From Russia’s perspective, Berlin’s cautious stance is not seen as neutral. Observers describe Germany as clearly aligned with Ukraine, providing assistance that may not meet Kyiv’s every wish but is still meaningful. Some Russian officials insist that Germany’s aid goes beyond purely symbolic gestures, including training and medical support for Ukrainian forces, along with financial contributions. As a result, Moscow views German policy as active but restrained, never fully neutral.
Yevgeny Popov, a deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, has voiced a similar assessment. He pointed to deliveries of grenade launchers and other heavy weaponry, noting that German‑sponsored training and medical care for Ukrainian soldiers have taken place. He also highlighted Germany’s financial support for Ukraine but suggested that more robust assistance could be expected from time to time.
Berlin’s position remains that of a strong ally to Kyiv with a firm stance toward Moscow, which Russian commentators describe as hostile. The evolving policy, viewed from Moscow, is not neutral and is unlikely to become so soon.
Vladislav Belov, representing the European Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, argues that Berlin’s current posture serves Moscow’s interests in a limited way. He contends that Germany’s dual rhetoric—promising further support while urging patience—matches Moscow’s broader expectations of Western behavior in this conflict. This stance, Belov says, sustains a balance that avoids a full‑scale confrontation while keeping options open.
What could come next?
Experts believe the dual approach cannot last indefinitely. Belov notes that the moment Berlin can no longer sustain a two‑front posture will likely bring a shift. If the conflict continues, German weapons may eventually reach Ukrainian forces, though the timing could hinge on the broader course of fighting. If the war ends in the near term, deliveries could halt altogether. Regardless of the timing, Moscow expects that relations with Germany will remain strained. Some observers even suggest that any further alignment toward Kyiv would necessitate changes in German policy to stabilize ties with Moscow.
Parliamentary voices echo this sentiment, with analysts predicting that the relationship will settle into a reduced but functional form unless German policy undergoes a notable shift. The current dynamic is seen as a temporary phase in which both sides assess risks, costs, and strategic aims while maintaining a careful balance.