The administrative authority continues to supply Ukraine with military assistance.
According to rumors, Berlin is thinking about limiting military aid for Ukraine. This allegation is debunked by government spokesperson Büchner. Instead, he mentioned that starting from 2025, the aid will have a more global focus. Another allegation, called "notorious" by Büchner, has also been refuted.
Government spokesperson Wolfgang Büchner in Berlin denied claims that military aid for Ukraine should be curtailed or capped due to financial constraints. He assured that the aid will continue as long as it is necessary. The root of these claims stems from a media report suggesting that no additional budget funds will be available for the aid beyond the already allotted €4 billion starting from next year.
The "Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung" (FAS) reported on Sunday that there would be no new funding for Ukraine from now on. They stated that while already approved deliveries are still being made, additional requests from the Ministry of Defense are being denied – allegedly at Chancellor Olaf Scholz's request. The reason given was financial austerity measures taken by the Chancellery and the Ministry of Finance. The budget for Ukraine currently stands at around €8 billion, and the proposed limit for the following year is €4 billion, which is seemingly oversubscribed.
Ukraine to receive IRIS-T air defense system
The FAS reported that a conversation partner in the federal government had informed them, "The pot is empty," hinting at an end to support for Ukraine. However, Büchner reassured that "our commitment and determination remains unchanged." He also dismissed speculations that the government wanted to send a political message before the state elections in East Germany, claiming that such suggestions were "infamous." It is unfounded to argue that Ukraine should receive less assistance due to internal political reasons, he stressed.
Büchner also refuted claims that Germany cannot deliver the promised IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine. According to the FAS, a German manufacturer, Diehl Defence, had a customer willing to waive their IRIS-T air defense system, enabling it to be delivered to Ukraine. However, the Ministry of Defense's approval was withheld by Defense Minister Pistorius. Both Büchner and a Ministry of Defense spokesperson confirmed that this statement was false.
$50 billion credit for Ukraine
Büchner revealed that the federal government expects international partners to provide a $50 billion credit for Ukraine's financing needs in the coming year. This decision was made by the leaders of seven leading industrial nations in July, he added. This initiative is expected to be launched before the end of 2024.
Similarly, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance led by the FDP stated, "We will continue to stand by Ukraine's side." This support will continue as long as the government in Kyiv needs assistance in defending itself against Russia. From 2025 onwards, financing will be more globally focused than before. Intense discussions are in progress, the spokesperson added, and progress is being made.
Despite the rumors suggesting Berlin's consideration to limit military aid for Ukraine due to financial constraints, government spokesperson Büchner categorically denies such claims and ensures the aid will continue as necessary. The Ukrainian conflict remains a significant concern, with ongoing speculations about Germany's commitment and delivery of promised air defense systems.
