German Leopard 1A5 at the 2015 Military Day in Uffenheim on 7 June 2015. By Wikimedia user Rainer Lippert.
On May 13, Germany announced that it would supply Kiev forces with a military aid package worth nearly $3 billion, marking Berlin’s largest pledge in military aid since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
The German Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the package will include 30 additional Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, 20 new Marder infantry fighting vehicles and more than 100 other smaller armored vehicles, as well as 200 surveillance drones, four new IRIS-T SLM air defense systems with 12 IRIS-T SLS launchers, numerous anti-aircraft missiles and 18 wheeled howitzers, possibly RCH-155, along with ammunition.
“With this valuable contribution of urgently needed military material, we are once again showing that Germany is serious about its support,” Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.
“We all wish for a speedy end to this terrible war waged by Russia against the Ukrainian people, which is contrary to international law. Unfortunately, this is not yet in sight. Germany will therefore provide all the help it can – as long as it takes,” Pistorius added.
The military aid package was announced ahead of a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will reportedly hold high-level talks in Berlin and receive the European Charlemagne Prize on May 14.
The new weapons promised by Germany will not change the balance of power in favor of Ukraine. However, they will prolong the conflict in the country.
Germany moved from being the main opponent of arming the Kiev regime, to one of its biggest military supporters. Berlin has supplied Kiev forces with billions worth of weapons, military equipment and ammunition since the start of the Russian special military operation last year.
Not everyone in Germany has been on board with their government’s decision, however. Thousands took to the streets of Berlin and other major cities across the country on several occasions in the last few months to protest the delivery of weapons to Ukraine.
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