German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a new €650 million ($680 million) military aid package for Ukraine during an unannounced visit to Kyiv on December 2, reinforcing Germany's position as Ukraine's leading European supporter.
The comprehensive aid package, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024, includes IRIS-T air defense systems, Leopard 1 tanks, combat drones, and essential winter equipment. The German Defense Ministry confirmed that hand weapons and heating supplies are also part of the planned shipment.
During his first visit to Kyiv in two and a half years, Chancellor Scholz traveled by train through Ukraine, acknowledging the country's ongoing resistance against Russian aggression for over 1,000 days. The visit included planned talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Germany will remain the strongest supporter of Ukraine in Europe," Scholz stated on social media platform X, underlining his country's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts.
This military support package builds upon previous aid initiatives, including a recent €65 million allocation announced in November for repairing Ukraine's energy infrastructure through the Energy Community's Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
The timing of this announcement comes as Germany approaches nationwide elections in 2025, and amid growing uncertainty about Western support for Ukraine, particularly regarding potential changes in U.S. foreign policy following the upcoming presidential election.
The Defense Ministry spokesperson clarified that these deliveries are part of a broader military aid commitment announced in October, demonstrating Germany's sustained support for Ukraine's defense capabilities.