Scholz aims to hold separate debates on arms for Ukraine at EU summit, Politico
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to discuss military assistance for Ukraine at the upcoming European Union leaders' summit on February 1. He specifically aims to call on certain countries to increase their defense supplies to Ukraine, according to Politico.
At the February summit, EU leaders are expected to approve a financial assistance package for Ukraine from the bloc totaling 50 billion euros.
As disclosed by a German official to the publication, Scholz intends to use this opportunity to initiate additional discussions on military support for Ukraine, which some European countries are planning for this year.
The Chancellor of Germany recently issued a direct warning that "the arms deliveries for Ukraine planned so far by the majority of EU member states are by all means too small." In this context, he urged European allies "to also step up their efforts in support of Ukraine."
Scholz also mentioned that he asked the European Union to compile a list of all military aid that member countries plan to provide to Ukraine "at the latest" by the summit scheduled for 1 February 2024.
Politico also notes that Berlin's plan to discuss the findings of this list with EU leaders will likely increase pressure on countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, which have so far provided Ukraine with "comparably few military goods".
Germany's assistance to Ukraine
Germany is one of Ukraine's strongest supporters after the United States. This year alone, funds totaling eight billion euros have been allocated for the supply of weapons and materials. Additionally, humanitarian and financial aid in billions has been provided.
Berlin has supplied various artillery, both old and new modifications of Leopard tanks, IRIS-T and Patriot air defense systems, ammunition, vehicles, drones, and other types of weaponry.
According to the Kiel Institute, last year Germany was the second-largest donor in defense aid to Ukraine after the United States, with a total of 17.1 billion euros. Following Germany were the United Kingdom with 6.6 billion euros, and the Northern and Eastern EU countries. It's also mentioned that France contributed only 0.54 billion euros, Italy 0.69 billion euros, and Spain 0.34 billion euros.
Recently, Germany updated its list of military aid supplied to Ukraine, providing additional Gepard anti-aircraft systems.
Moreover, on January 8, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on other EU countries to provide greater support to Ukraine this year.
