Berlin backs Ukraine with $500 million in military aid, reinforcing NATO’s growing effort to counter intensified Russian attacks
Berlin backs Ukraine with $500 million in military aid, reinforcing NATO’s growing effort to counter intensified Russian attacks
Germany announced on Wednesday that it will coordinate with a coalition of Ukraine’s Western allies to deliver a new $500 million military aid package via NATO’s newly established supply network. The move comes as Russia intensifies its air campaign against Ukrainian cities, drawing international concern over mounting civilian casualties.
This marks Germany’s latest contribution in a growing collective effort by NATO countries to ramp up the flow of heavy weaponry and air defense systems to Kyiv. Earlier this month, NATO began overseeing the routine delivery of major arms packages, following a €500 million ($582 million) commitment from the Netherlands that includes ammunition and air defense assets.
Sweden soon followed with a pledge of $275 million as part of a Nordic initiative alongside Denmark and Norway to deliver an additional $500 million package featuring anti-tank weapons, air defenses, ammunition, and spare parts.
Germany’s Foreign and Defense Ministries confirmed that Berlin’s support will prioritize “critical air defense capabilities,” citing the urgent need to protect Ukrainian civilians from increasingly deadly Russian airstrikes. According to the United Nations, more than 12,000 civilians have been killed by Russia’s continued bombardment of urban areas beyond the front line.
Two shipments largely composed of US sourced equipment are slated for delivery this month, while the Nordic package is expected to arrive in September. Although Germany did not disclose the full list of partner countries involved in its latest aid mission, officials emphasised that all supplies will be tailored to Ukraine’s immediate battlefield priorities.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Germany has delivered or pledged approximately €40 billion ($47 billion) in military support to Ukraine, making it one of Kyiv’s top backers in Europe.
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