German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected a proposal for an additional €3 billion in military aid to Ukraine, initially presented by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The proposal aimed to secure financial support for Ukraine’s military ahead of the upcoming German federal elections in February.
The justification behind the request was the worsening military situation in Ukraine and concerns over future U.S. support, especially if former President Donald Trump were to return to the White House. However, Chancellor Scholz emphasized that the existing funds allocated for military aid to Ukraine, totaling €4 billion for 2025, along with a €49 billion loan secured by the G7, were sufficient for the time being.
Despite Scholz’s rejection, Minister Pistorius reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, announcing that Germany would supply approximately 50 IRIS-T missiles for Ukraine’s air defense systems before replenishing Germany’s military reserves.
