Pistorius promises Ukraine new German 500 million weapons package

Anti-aircraft weapons, tanks, ammunition, spare parts: Ukraine is receiving a new German weapons package worth half a billion euros for its defensive battle against Russia. “We will continue to support you in this defensive battle,” announced Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Thursday evening when presenting the package during a meeting with his colleague Rustem Umjerow in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa. Some of the material is about to be delivered, added the SPD politician. Umjerow combined his thanks to Germany with an appeal to other partners to support his country even more intensively.

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.

Ukraine gets air defense, spare parts and more tanks

The new weapons package includes a large number of medium-range Iris-T SLM air defense 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 artillery systems and replacement engines for Leopard battle tanks. One million rounds of ammunition for small arms will also be delivered. From 2025 onwards, the delivery of 18 new wheeled howitzers of the latest design is to follow. 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. A total of 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. Ukraine will also receive several hundred urgently needed sniper rifles.

Pistorius: Assume that the war will last longer

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.”

Umjerow: We have never violated agreements

Umyerov stressed the importance of further arms deliveries. “Our partners must supply us with weapons so that we can reach the strategic targets and push the enemy back behind the internationally recognized borders (of Ukraine).” Kiev will not violate any conditions imposed by the operation. “As a civilized country, we have never violated agreements.” We are grateful to every country that supplies weapons for the help it has provided.

Umyerov described reports of problems with mobilization as Russian propaganda. The situation has been heavily politicized in recent months, and Moscow is taking advantage of this. He referred to a recently launched mobile phone app that conscripts can use to update their data. “We currently have 1.2 million registrations in this application alone, which shows the high demand.” He added: “Ukrainians will continue to defend their nation until they reach the internationally recognized borders.”

Pistorius avoids use of weapons on Russian territory

When asked whether Germany would allow Ukraine to use Western weapons on Russian territory like other EU countries, Pistorius again gave an evasive answer. “International law allows the use of these weapons,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). As far as there are bilateral agreements on the use of weapons, they are not intended for public consumption. He is “not a fan of revealing red lines or making clear what we will or will not tolerate and which weapons will be used where.” He added: “I cannot imagine that the Kremlin would do that at any point.” This is also “an expression of a certain strategic ambiguity, but one that only works if you don’t talk about it.”

Drones are being upgraded with AI

The defense minister was shown developments by the German AI company Helsing, which specializes in the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems. The company integrates AI software into Ukrainian or Western combat and reconnaissance drones so that they can find their target independently and independently of the control center in the event of electronic jamming measures by the Russians. Pistorius said such developments were extremely important for Ukraine in order to “be able to prevail in this defensive battle with clever and innovative concepts and means.” Not only Ukraine, but also the Bundeswehr, benefits from the developments.

Minister at combat training: Very impressive

At a Ukrainian army training area, Pistorius learned about the training of soldiers who are being prepared for deployment at the front. In addition to drone defense, he was shown a combat exercise. He also gained insight into Ukrainian sniper and medical training. Later, he was shown a newly set up position to defend against Russian attacks near the port of Odessa and visited injured soldiers in a military hospital.

Note: This article has been updated to include additional information.