This announcement was made by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during his visit to the Naval Base in Nordholz.
Preparedness for Additional Support
Minister Pistorius emphasized the Ministry of Defense's readiness to provide further assistance, stating, "We have prepared possible further purchases in case additional funds become available. This process is ongoing." He underscored his commitment to preparedness, noting that since assuming his role, he has consistently advocated for being "always ready for what may happen."
Allegations of Funding Blockages
Despite the positive announcement, Pistorius refrained from addressing media reports alleging that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is blocking initiatives to secure an additional 3 billion euros for new weapons supplies to Kyiv. These allegations suggest internal disagreements within the German government regarding the extent of military aid to Ukraine.
Government's Stance on Military Assistance
In response to inquiries, Christine Hoffmann, Deputy Spokesperson for the Federal Government, affirmed that military assistance to Ukraine remains a "constant topic" and is "particularly important." She highlighted Chancellor Scholz's consistent assurances that Ukraine receives and will continue to receive substantial support from Germany. However, Hoffmann did not elaborate on the "internal discussions" related to the alleged funding blockages.
Confirmed Weapon Supplies
Mitko Müller, Spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense, provided further clarification by assuring that the weapons supplies announced by Pistorius are already planned. He revealed that the first of the promised new 155-mm howitzers will be delivered to Ukraine next week. Müller noted that these modern wheeled howitzers are not yet in service with the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Additionally, he assured that commitments regarding drones, armored vehicles, and other weapons will be fulfilled as promised.
Recent Developments and Announcements
The day before Pistorius's announcement in Ramstein, there were reports of further weapon supplies to Ukraine. This aligns with the Ministry of Defense's ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.
Controversial Reports from Medien
Der Spiegel, citing its sources, reported that Chancellor Scholz is hindering the approval of a new large-scale military aid package to Ukraine. This package is reportedly being proposed by both the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry, aiming to enhance Ukraine's defensive infrastructure further.
Conclusion
Germany's preparation of a new weapons list for Ukraine demonstrates its ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape. While Defense Minister Pistorius highlights readiness to provide additional aid contingent on funding, internal government dynamics and allegations of funding blockages by Chancellor Scholz introduce complexities to the aid process. Nevertheless, confirmed supplies, including advanced howitzers, indicate that Germany remains a key player in supplying Ukraine with necessary defense equipment.
