Germany Approves €3 Billion Military Aid for Ukraine Amid U.S. Aid Freeze and War Shifts
Germany has approved a new military aid package worth 3 billion euros (about $3.25 billion) for Ukraine, strengthening its commitment to support Kyiv’s defense against Russia. The approval came from the German Budget Committee and is part of a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities. This latest financing builds on Germany’s previous military assistance and aligns with its long-term efforts to strengthen European security. This decision follows reforms led by chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz to increase defense investments and lift longstanding debt restrictions.
The aid package consists of 2.547 billion euros (approx. $2.75 billion) allocated by the Finance Ministry for 2025, complemented by contributions from the European Peace Facility. Over the next four years (2026-2029), Germany plans to provide an additional 8.252 billion euros (approx. $8.91 billion), bringing the total planned aid to over 11 billion euros (approx. $11.88 billion). A key element of this aid package is the inclusion of German-made IRIS-T air-defense systems, which are expected to be manufactured and delivered within the next two years. These advanced defense systems are vital to help Ukraine protect its cities and infrastructure from Russian missile and drone attacks. Germany has already provided several IRIS-T units in previous aid packages, and this new allocation will further enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Germany has been Ukraine’s second-largest military aid provider after the United States, supplying around €28 billion (approx. $30.24 billion) since Russia’s full-scale invasion began over three years ago. However, the situation shifted significantly in 2025. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to negotiate an end to the war. As part of this effort, the U.S. temporarily froze military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns about Ukraine’s defense capabilities and the future of Western support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Germany’s continued support and stressed the importance of such assistance in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. He acknowledged that military assistance from Germany and other Western allies remains vital to Ukraine’s ability to resist ongoing attacks and continue its war effort. The aid package also reflects Germany’s commitment to support Ukraine in the long term, ensuring that Kiev will have the resources it needs to defend itself for years to come.