German Media Learn Details of New Aid Package for Kyiv from Berlin
Berlin's new military aid package for Kyiv will include air defence systems, infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), projectiles and drones worth around €600 million.
As Spiegel reports, citing its own sources, the package is to be announced in the afternoon of 11 July during the NATO summit in Vilnius. Through this aid, Berlin aims to demonstrate that Germany remains among the countries that provide the most support to Ukraine.
Spiegel reports that the new package includes several Patriot systems and other surface-to-air weapons from the Bundeswehr's stockpile.
This also includes additional Marder IFVs, Leopard 1 tanks, mine clearance equipment, about 20,000 artillery projectiles and shells for Leopard tanks, and several reconnaissance drones.
The Patriot systems and their missiles are by far the most strategically important for Ukraine. This must have been a challenging gift from the Bundeswehr, as Germany’s stockpile is also insignificant.
Meanwhile, the dpa news agency, citing its sources, reports that the worth of the package is even higher – almost €700 million.
Earlier, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the transfer of dozens of Leopard 1A5 battle tanks to Ukraine in cooperation with Denmark shortly.
According to a poll by the YouGov research institute, 38% of Germans believe that Germany has provided too many weapons to Ukraine. According to 32% of respondents, the assistance provided is "just right".