Germany faces budget hurdles on €3 billion aid package for Ukraine

"I want to emphasize that regardless of which government takes office after February 23, Germany's support for Ukraine will remain reliable, strong, and resolute. There is no doubt about this," he stated.

As for the €3 billion package, he said the government is doing everything, but internal negotiations have not yet been completed.

"It’s a matter of funds that are currently unavailable in the budget. This is a fiscal issue, and we need to solve it. We are trying to find a solution. Other parties that might join the future government have shown a willingness to move in this direction. I am optimistic," he added.

Delay in major aid package for Ukraine

As reported by Spiegel, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock intended to allocate an additional €3 billion budget for Ukraine before the Bundestag elections on February 23. Ukraine had already submitted a list of requested weapons.

The funds were expected to be approved as supplementary expenditures before the elections, a maneuver previously used by the German government. However, the plan stalled after the chancellor's office made it clear that it did not support the idea.

According to Spiegel, Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not want to present the next federal government with an accomplished fact and does not see an urgent need for immediate action.

Earlier, Pistorius denied claims that Chancellor Scholz was blocking the €3 billion aid package for Ukraine.

In the first half of 2025, Ukraine is expected to receive an additional 22 Leopard 1 tanks, 25 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and the Iris-T SLM/SLS air defense system. Germany will also provide 16 howitzers, two more Patriot launchers, and seven Gepard anti-aircraft systems.

The military aid package will include 3,500 Helsing strike drones, six Sea-King helicopters, and 250,000 artillery shells.