Germany has pledged to provide Ukraine with additional military aid worth over 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition, according to an announcement by the government on May 14, 2023. This latest package of arms aims to show Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense efforts. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Germany has not been officially confirmed, it would indicate a significant improvement in the relationship between the two countries.
Berlin has been criticized by Kyiv in the past for its reliance on Russian energy and support for the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Despite initial hesitation by Chancellor Olaf Scholz to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine, Germany has since become one of its biggest suppliers of arms, including modern battle tanks and anti-aircraft systems. The new aid package includes 30 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, 20 Marder armored personnel carriers, more than 100 combat vehicles, 18 self-propelled Howitzers, 200 reconnaissance drones, four IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft systems, and other air defense equipment.
Ukrainian military commanders recently claimed to have recaptured more territory from Russian forces near the eastern city of Bakhmut. The visit by President Zelenskyy to Germany is expected to include a ceremony in the city of Aachen, where he would receive the International Charlemagne Prize, recognizing the Ukrainian people's resistance against Russia's invasion as a defense of Europe and European values.
(With AP Inputs)
