For security reasons, Defense Minister Pistorius’ visit to Odessa remained secret until the end. In view of the Russian offensive, he brought a valuable announcement with him.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced a new German weapons package to support Ukraine worth half a billion euros. “We will continue to support you in this defensive battle,” said the SPD politician at a meeting with his colleague Rustem Umjerow in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa. Some materials are already about to be delivered, Pistorius added.
The package includes a large number of medium-range Iris-T SLM air defence missiles and a smaller number of shorter-range SLS missiles, said Pistorius. It also includes drones for reconnaissance and combat in the Black Sea, as well as urgently needed spare parts such as replacement barrels for the artillery systems supplied by Germany and replacement engines for Leopard main battle tanks. One million rounds of ammunition for small arms will also be made available. From 2025 onwards, the delivery of 18 new wheeled howitzers of the latest design will follow, added the German defence minister.
Germany will deliver more infantry fighting vehicles
According to Pistorius, Germany will also finance industrial training courses for Ukrainian technicians. The package also includes funds for interference-proof satellite communications. From the commitments made so far, further Leopard A1 and Leopard II A4 battle tanks will be delivered from Spain this year. 19 tanks will be made available to Ukraine from Spain, and Germany will contribute one million euros to their restoration, maintenance and repair. Germany will also supply further Marder infantry fighting vehicles, armoured combat vehicles, anti-aircraft tanks and equipment for command and control of electronic warfare.
“We want and will continue to support”
Pistorius said he was listing the details to “underline that we are not just currently delivering what is available.” Rather, particular emphasis was placed on sustainability by placing orders that would only become a reality in the next few years. This is because “we believe that it is important to set the course now as a precautionary measure to ensure that this war lasts even longer and that we want and will continue to provide support.”
It was Pistorius’ third visit to Ukraine since the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022. The trip had been kept secret for security reasons until departure from Odessa, also in view of the current Russian offensive with increased air strikes. Russia has been increasing its air strikes on Ukraine for months: so far, numerous people have lost their lives and important infrastructure in the country has been destroyed.
Source: Stern
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