"Germany plans to raise its military aid to Ukraine by €3 billion next year to around €11.5 billion ($13.2 billion) to support its battle against Russia, the finance ministry said Tuesday. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil "will introduce a further €3 billion in support for Ukraine into the parliamentary budget process for 2026", a ministry spokesman told AFP. "This includes, among other things, artillery, drones, armoured vehicles and the replacement of two Patriot systems." The spokesman added that "Germany stands firmly by Ukraine's side and is Ukraine's biggest supporter in Europe. This applies financially, economically and militarily. "We will continue our support for as long as it is necessary to defend against Russia's war of aggression.""
"EU countries have upped military spending in a bid to contain Russia since Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Europe warned it could struggle to mobilise troops in case of war expansion The announcement from Germany came as a report warned that Europe could struggle to mobilise enough troops or quickly produce enough weapons in case of a direct confrontation with Russia. The French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), a top think tank, highlighted Europe's weaknesses in the event of a high-intensity conflict with Russia, which the authors describe as "a long-term threat". Europe needs to demonstrate political will and "a coherent defence economic strategy" to prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia over the next five years, said the report titled "Europe-Russia: Balance of Power Review". IFRI director Thomas Gomart told AFP it was important to "identify our strengths and weaknesses", pointing to Europe's "critical military gaps". "European countries have the necessary potential, that is the economic resources, military capabilities and technological know-how to stand up to Russia by"
Germany will raise military aid to Ukraine by €3 billion next year, bringing total support to around €11.5 billion and covering artillery, drones, armoured vehicles and two Patriot system replacements. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil will introduce the additional funding into the 2026 parliamentary budget process. German officials state that Germany remains Ukraine's largest European supporter financially, economically and militarily and will continue support as long as necessary to defend against Russia. European defence spending has increased since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, but analysts warn Europe could struggle to mobilise sufficient troops or rapidly produce enough weapons. Europe possesses economic, military and technological potential but requires political will and a coherent defence economic strategy to address critical military gaps over the next five years.
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