German Defense Minister Pistorius and FM Baerbock work to mobilize the additional military aid before 23 February elections, while the Chancellor considers this unnecessary.
Berlin boosts Ukraine's air defenses with advanced missile systems and ammunition as Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure intensify, though Taurus long-range missiles remain absent from the package.
While Ukraine receives additional air defense support from its partners, the ongoing Russian attacks highlight the urgent need for effective protection against aerial threats.
Maj-Gen Freuding announced Germany will send two air defense systems, dozens of vehicles and tanks, and large quantities of artillery shells to Ukraine by year-end.
Germany provided Ukraine with a new military aid package, including an IRIS-T air defense system, Vector drones, a recovery vehicle, engineer excavators, ammunition, unmanned surface vessels, first aid kits, and rifles to support Ukraine's defense.
Addressing the critical need for air defense, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 25 Patriot systems are required to ensure comprehensive protection against Russian aerial attacks.
So far, Germany remains the only country to respond to Ukraine's urgent request for additional Patriot systems amid intensified Russian aerial attacks. Other countries have failed to make similar pledges ahead of the upcoming Ramstein meeting, which is expected to address military aid coordination for Ukraine.
Two additional IRIS-T air defense systems are intended to bolster the protection of Ukrainian cities against potential Russian attacks on energy infrastructure this winter.