Russian military invasion. - Pistorius commits to providing a 500 million arms deal to Ukraine.
Boris Pistorius, Germany's Defense Minister, has declared a new weapons aid plan valued at €500 million to back Ukraine. Speaking during a gathering with Ukraine's colleague Rustem Umjerov in Odessa, a southern port city, Pistorius highlighted their ongoing commitment to Ukraine's defense efforts. Some supplies are already ready for shipment, according to the SPD party politician.
The deal encompasses a vast array of defensive tools, including numerous missiles for the Iris-T SLM air defense system with medium ranges and fewer SLS missiles featuring shorter ranges. It also provides drones for surveillance and warfare operations in the Black Sea, not to mention crucial spare parts like replacements for artillery systems Germany supplied and engines for battle tanks like the Leopard. 1 million rounds of handgun ammunition will also be furnished, Pistorius mentioned.
From 2025 till further notice, Germany intends to send 18 self-propelled howitzers - state-of-the-art cannons on wheels. Furthermore, Germany and Spain combined will add 19 Leopard A1 and Leopard II A4 tanks to Ukraine's collection. Spain will restore these vehicles, maintain them, and fix them at €1 million per tank. Additionally, Germany will hand out more Marder armored fighting vehicles, fighting vehicles, air defense systems, and gadgets for electronic warfare.
Pistorius stressed the importance of this assistance, emphasizing, "We're not just handing out what's already there." Instead, their objective is to ensure long-term support, necessitating procurement of supplies for delivery when they become available, demonstrating dedication to Ukraine despite the conflict's prolonged implications. This is Pistorius' third trip to Ukraine since Russia's ferocious invasion in early 2022. Security reasons led to the undisclosed visit arrangement until leaving Odessa due to escalated Russian airstrikes. Consequently, many citizens perished, and critical Ukrainian infrastructure has been devastated.
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