Germany's budget committee yesterday approved another 3 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine after incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz pushed through reforms to boost defence investment.
Both houses of parliament this week passed plans from Merz's conservatives and the Social Democrats, who are negotiating to form Germany's next government, to scrap a long-standing cap on public debt.
This year, new aid will amount to €2.5 billion, plus other contributions, including reimbursement from the European Peace Facility.
The Finance Ministry also plans to authorise commitments of €8.2 billion for the period 2026 to 2029, bringing the total to over €11 billion.
Foreign Minister Baerbock said in a statement that it was “long overdue” for a parliamentary committee to approve the use of the funds and that Germany was now setting the tone for European support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, in his article on X, said that Kyiv is grateful for the assistance, which, according to him, will strengthen its defense capability and other related capabilities.
“German weapons have already saved thousands and thousands of Ukrainian lives. They will save even more in the current and subsequent years,” Sibikha wrote.
“A strong Ukrainian army will be the most important factor in the security of Ukraine and Europe for many years to come.”
France plans to host a meeting on March 27 of a coalition of countries willing to provide security guarantees to Ukraine without the involvement of US troops and to discuss a possible ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will personally take part in the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron said during the EU summit on Thursday.
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Source: Source
