Germany’s Baerbock announces $12B military aid package for Ukraine during Kyiv visit
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reaffirmed Berlin’s commitment to Ukraine during a surprise visit to Kyiv on Tuesday, announcing an additional €11.25 billion ($12.1 billion) military aid package to support the country.
“Due to the stalemate between the US and Russia, it is absolutely crucial that we Europeans demonstrate that we stand by Ukraine without ifs and buts - and that we support them now even more,” Baerbock said in a statement after arriving in Kyiv.
The Green Party minister emphasized that Germany's support to Ukraine will continue despite the upcoming change in government in Berlin following the Feb. 23 elections, with the Christian Democrats expected to form a coalition with the Social Democrats.
“Germany will not abandon the Ukrainian people—our European neighbors. The decision of the current and future governing parties to provide an additional €3 billion ($3.2 billion) for short-term support and a further €8.25 billion ($8.9 billion) in military support by 2029 demonstrates our firm cross-party solidarity and commitment,” she said.
Baerbock also announced that Germany would provide an additional €130 million ($140 million) in humanitarian aid and stabilization measures to support Ukraine.
She accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of undermining ceasefire talks by imposing additional conditions, saying NATO allies would address these concerns at an upcoming meeting with their US counterpart later this week.
“It is Putin who is playing for time, does not want peace and is continuing his war of aggression in violation of international law. He simulates a willingness to negotiate, but refuses to budge even a millimeter from his goals,” Baerbock said.
“We must not be deceived by Putin and his supporters. A mere suggestion of peace is not peace itself. At the upcoming NATO foreign ministers' meeting, we will make it clear to the American side that we cannot yield to Putin's delaying tactics,” she added.
Foreign Minister Baerbock made her final visit to Ukraine in her current role, with a new German coalition government expected to form later this month. During her tenure, she has visited Ukraine 10 times, with Tuesday's visit marking her 11th trip to the country and her 9th since the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022.
