Germany allocates €576mln for 180K artillery shells to Ukraine
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In support of Czech's military aid initiative, aimed to support Ukraine against Russia, Germany put together an additional military aid package.
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Ukrainian army artillery munitions are stored in the frontline at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday, November 23, 2022. (AP)
In support of the Czechian initiative to boost military aid to Ukraine, Germany revealed the allocation of €576 million for Ukraine to replenish its artillery shell supply, amid a severe shortage that is affecting its performance on the frontlines.
The Economist had previously stated that the Czech Republic secured at least 800,000 shells, and the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Canada agreed to allocate funds to help pay. The Czech Republic says that if $3.3 billion could be secured, 1.5 million shells could be purchased and sent to Ukraine.
The combined aid would be delivered in three different batches.
Berlin, on its part, revealed that it will be providing Kiev with 180,000 artillery shells in the second batch of military aid. Overall, Germany would be contributing 40% of the military initiative to Ukraine.
Berlin has also concluded deals to provide an additional 100,000 155mm shells to Ukraine, with the initial shipments set to be delivered this year. Furthermore, Germany plans to dispatch 100 infantry fighting vehicles along with 100 high-capacity logistics vehicles.
Last month, Germany's Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, revealed an independent 478 million euro package to Ukraine.
German, EU support for Ukraine driven by strategic interests
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said on Friday that his country's support for Ukraine extends beyond solidarity, as it aligns with both its own interests and those of Europe. With no imminent "quick and good" resolution to the conflict in sight, this backing remains crucial.
"We support Ukraine not only out of solidarity and sympathy but also in the interests of Germany and Europe. We seek peace, yes. But the honest, bitter answer is: there will probably not be a quick and good end," Habeck said in a video message posted on his ministry's X account.
The minister emphasized support for Germany's continued provision of military aid to Ukraine while maintaining a stance of non-involvement in direct hostilities.
"We, especially the members of the government, must constantly be mindful of the question as to where is the line the crossing of which would drag Germany into war," Habeck said.
Read more: Scholz fears complicity if Germany supplies Kiev with Taurus missiles
