Germany Reaffirms Military Support for Ukraine Amid Budget Concerns

Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured unwavering German military support for Ukraine despite domestic budget concerns and media reports of halted aid. Scholz emphasized existing defense deals and funding, stressing Germany's ongoing commitment. Germany has already supplied four of the pledged twelve IRIS-T SLM air defense systems, credited with downing over 250 missiles.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated Germany's steadfast military support for Ukraine, attempting to allay fears that budget constraints might lead to reduced assistance. During a speech at a German military base, Scholz affirmed that existing defense deals and funding provisions ensure continued support for Ukraine.

The Chancellor's comments follow a mid-August report from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, which suggested that new military aid approvals had been frozen by the German finance ministry due to budgetary limitations. A government spokesperson refuted this, emphasizing Berlin's commitment to aid Ukraine 'as long as necessary.'

Scholz highlighted Germany's delivery of four IRIS-T SLM air defense systems to Ukraine, with two more expected by year's end. The systems, praised for their high effectiveness, have played a crucial role in protecting Kyiv from Russian missile attacks, boasting a 95% or higher success rate.

(With inputs from agencies.)