German Lawmakers Demand Increased Support for Ukraine Amid Russian Terror and Military Challenges
Germany's policymakers responsible for foreign and security policies are actively urging the government to boost financial assistance to Ukraine concerning military aid and defense capabilities. Specifically, representatives of the Green Party have sent a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, demanding a reevaluation of the existing military support and a significant increase in the defense budget allocated to assisting Ukraine. The current plan to increase the military budget from 7.1 billion to 8.3 billion euros is deemed insufficient given the scale of Russian terror against Ukrainian civilians. The letter emphasizes that, between 2026 and 2029, a fixed amount of 8.5 billion euros is allocated for aid to Ukraine, while Germany’s overall defense budget needs to be substantially doubled. Lawmakers warn that without modernized air defense systems and prompt delivery of advanced missile defense systems, the risk of losing Ukrainian independence grows markedly, as Putin’s Russia continues mass missile and air strikes on civilian cities, and the United States begins to withdraw previously promised aid. In this context, Germany is also exploring the possibility of reallocating already contracted Patriot air defense systems for quick transfer to Ukraine. This approach would enable rapid delivery, avoiding multi-year delays, and enhance Ukraine’s air defenses in such a critical moment. It is known that Berlin might order additional Patriot batteries for itself, with delivery scheduled after 2029, and simultaneously transfer some units from the planned batch for Ukraine, scheduled between 2026 and 2028 under existing contracts valued at approximately $2.4 billion. These measures aim to partially meet Ukraine's urgent needs for air defense and strengthen its resilience during ongoing hostilities.