Germany halts Over $3.3bln in military funds to Ukraine amid disputes
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Germany will not provide over $3.3 billion in military aid to Ukraine due to the cancellation of over 30 measures, with previously approved supplies still set for delivery, intensifying disputes within the ruling coalition.
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The European Union, the Ukrainian, and the German flags flutter at the German parliament, Bundestag, outside the Reichstag Building in Berlin, Germany, June 11, 2024. (AP)
Germany will not be able to provide over $3.3 billion, which amounts to 3 billion euros, in military aid to Ukraine due to the cancellation of more than 30 measures, the German Defense Ministry (MoD) announced on Monday.
German media reported that, following current budget planning, no new funds are allocated for this purpose.
In that context, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed that previously approved supplies will still be delivered, but additional requests from the Defense Ministry will not be approved.
According to Bild, a German newspaper, the German MoD noted that "More than 30 high-priority measures for Ukraine worth over 3 billion euros cannot be further implemented."
Moreover, Bild reported that the decision to limit military aid to Ukraine has intensified disputes within Germany's ruling coalition.
This comes after the ministry presented measures in mid-May that required an additional 3.87 billion euros this year for Ukraine, including 1.3 billion euros for spare parts, 600 million euros for artillery ammunition, and 500 million euros each for drones and armored vehicles.
In turn, Russia has argued that arms supplies to Ukraine complicate conflict resolution and directly involve NATO countries. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Washington and NATO of not only supplying weapons but also training personnel across multiple European countries.
Zelensky criticizes UK government, urges 'bold decisions' from West
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky openly criticized the UK government, asserting that it once displayed "real leadership" but is now falling behind, while declaring that his administration urges his Western alliance to take "bold steps" in supporting Kiev's war efforts amid its war with Russia.
“In particular, we have seen throughout this war that the United Kingdom has shown real leadership. In weaponry, in politics, and in supporting the life of Ukrainian society… This is what reflects the strength of the United Kingdom,” Zelensky stated during his daily address on Friday.
"But now, unfortunately, the situation has slowed down. We will discuss how to fix this. Because long-range capabilities are a matter of principle for us," Zelensky continued as he blasted the UK.
"We will insist on the need for bold steps, bold decisions. We need things that truly change the course of the war, leading it to a just peace,” the Ukrainian leader said, referring to his peace formula that has been described by Russia as being "detached from reality.
Read more: Russia urges Germany to fully disclose intel on Nord Stream bombings
