Germany Pledges €5 Billion Military Aid Supports Ukraine Missile Production

Germany has unveiled a substantial military aid package for Ukraine valued at approximately 5 billion euros ($5.65 billion), coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Berlin where he met Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The agreement includes German funding to help Ukraine produce long-range missile systems domestically, leveraging Ukraine's existing industrial and technical capabilities, with initial deliveries expected within weeks and significant production by the end of 2025. In addition to long-range weapons, Germany pledged to supply air defense systems, artillery, and ammunition, as well as financial support for battlefield maintenance and military satellite capabilities. This package follows Chancellor Merz's recent decision to lift previous range restrictions on Western-supplied weapons to Ukraine, a move criticized by Russia as dangerous. The aid is financed through funds already approved by Germany's parliament, underscoring Berlin's commitment to reinforce Ukraine amidst intensified Russian aerial attacks causing civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction. The agreement also marks the beginning of enhanced military-industrial cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, including planned intergovernmental consultations later this year.