Germany Gives Ukraine Another €3 Billion in Military Assistance

Germany has strengthened its backing for Ukraine after growing doubts about US security pledges by approving €3 billion in military aid.

An important step in Germany’s support for the war-torn nation has been taken with the agreement by the country’s departing administration to provide Ukraine an additional €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in military aid this year. According to a document from the finance ministry, this decision comes after German lawmakers approved a fiscal overhaul.

Since departing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously made the relaxation of borrowing regulations a condition of granting additional help, the action is generally considered a breakthrough. Now that this barrier has been lifted, Germany is reaffirming its support for Ukraine at a time when there is increasing doubt about whether former President Donald Trump will be able to uphold US security pledges if he wins reelection.

The budget committee of parliament has been notified by Finance Minister Joerg Kukies that all conditions necessary to approve the additional funding have been satisfied. Germany will spend an additional €2.547 billion this year, the finance minister revealed in a proposal to the committee. When paired with additional financing sources, such as a refund from the European Peace Facility, this sum will raise the overall amount of military assistance for 2024 to €3 billion.

With an additional €8.252 billion set aside for military assistance, Germany has also pledged to provide more funding between 2026 and 2029. With this, Germany will have committed more than €11 billion in military assistance to Ukraine over the next several years.

If the upper chamber of the Bundesrat passes a constitutional amendment required for the new spending framework, the budget committee is scheduled to approve the money on Friday. A major revision of Germany’s fiscal regulations, intended to increase military spending and spur economic expansion, was already approved by the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, on Tuesday.

The timing of Germany’s decision is significant since EU leaders will be meeting on Thursday and Friday, and one of the main topics of discussion will be more funding for Ukraine. Germany’s recent action indicates a strengthened resolve to provide long-term military help, as European nations come under growing pressure to show their commitment to Ukraine’s defense against Russia.