Source: Pistorius stated in an interview with the Tagesspiegel newspaper, which will be published on January 13, according to DW
Details: According to the minister, there is no blockade, but the internal approval of the new aid package within the government has not yet been completed. The Ministry of Defense has prepared proposals; however, a final political decision needs to be made soon.
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Quote: "Pistorius noted that his department has prepared a new aid package, and now a political decision must be made regarding its provision to Kyiv."
Background:
- Recently, the Spiegel publication unofficially learned that a dispute has arisen within the German government regarding an additional arms package for Ukraine worth approximately 3 billion euros. The package was formulated by Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius based on urgent requests from Ukraine.
- However, the publication writes that Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposed it, believing that the already planned assistance is sufficient and that Kyiv could also use funds from the overall G7 loan for weapons. He argued that it would be unfair to "present the new German government," which will be formed after the early elections in February, with this decision. This opinion is also shared by some other members of Scholz's party.
- Nevertheless, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock insists that Berlin should provide Ukraine with more military assistance than what is currently planned in the budget. Baerbock expressed the view that failing to do so would make Ukraine "less capable of defending itself and, subsequently, less capable of protecting us."
- It is also reported that in the first half of 2025, Germany is preparing to transfer substantial military aid packages to Ukraine using funds already allocated in the budget, which will include Leopard tanks and Marder infantry fighting vehicles.