German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has raised concerns over the potential reduction of Germany’s financial aid for weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing the significant impact it could have on Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Speaking to the press, Baerbock highlighted that Germany allocated nearly €7 billion for Ukrainian military aid last year. A cut to half or slightly above that amount, she warned, would make it considerably harder for Ukraine to defend itself.
Reports from Der Spiegel indicate that Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius are pushing for an additional €3 billion in urgent military aid before Germany’s parliamentary elections on February 23. However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is reportedly resisting these plans, arguing against imposing such commitments on a future government.
Budgetary Challenges
Germany is currently facing a budgetary shortfall after the collapse of its three-party coalition government in November. Operating on a provisional 2025 budget, the government has set aside €4 billion for Ukraine but lacks a finalized spending plan.
Chancellor Scholz has cited a €12.5 billion gap in the draft budget, which could increase to €15.5 billion if the proposed €3 billion for Ukraine is added. Scholz’s attempt to suspend constitutional debt limits met strong opposition from the Free Democratic Party (FDP), leading to the coalition’s dissolution.
A government spokesperson confirmed that military aid to Ukraine remains a key agenda item, with ongoing internal discussions about its future scope.
