Germany approves 3.2 billion euros in new military aid for Ukraine

Germany on Friday approved 3 billion euros ($3.25 billion) in new military aid for Ukraine.

The money is intended for defensive equipment for the country fighting Russian forces, including ammunition, drones, armored vehicles and air defense systems.

The German parliament's budget committee gave the green light to the funds, which had been suspended for months amid disagreements in the coalition government of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

But the final approval on Friday of a major new spending package that also eased Germany's strict debt rules for defense spending gave the government new room for maneuver.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Germany for the new aid in a post on X, saying it would provide "exactly what Ukraine needs most - what saves Ukrainian lives," the Telegraph reports.

"This means that contracts with the German defense industry will be signed now for the future - an important step towards building long-term security guarantees," Zelensky said.

"It is also a recognition that the Ukrainian army will become even stronger after the end of the war and Germany is committed to contributing to this," the Ukrainian president added.

Green MP Britta Hasselmann, whose party has been pushing for aid for Ukraine, expressed relief that new billions were being released, "albeit belatedly."

She called it "a strong signal to Ukraine, a signal that is absolutely necessary for peace and security in Europe." /Telegraph