Ukrainian counter-offensive
Pistorius expects “crucial months”
6/28/2023 1:36 p.m
Defense Minister Pistorius is currently hoping primarily for the Ukrainian counter-offensive. In an interview, however, he does not say what happens if this should fail. But one thing is clear to him: This year should be decisive.
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expects important decisions to be made in the Ukraine war this year. “It is very likely that this will be a crucial year, these are crucial months now,” said the SPD politician on ZDF before leaving for a visit to the United States. That is why the German government recently promised Ukraine another large support package worth 2.7 billion euros for the fight against Russia.
Germany had promised Ukraine further extensive military aid in mid-May. This includes in particular the delivery of additional Iris-T air defense systems, additional Leopard and Marder tanks and ammunition.
This means that Germany is now Ukraine’s second-biggest supporter of military aid after the United States, said Pistorius. He is now relying “on the counteroffensive” announced by Kiev. Pistorius did not want to speculate about what will happen if this does not have the desired success.
With a view to the NATO requirements for defense spending by the allies, Pistorius confirmed that Germany would achieve the target of two percent of economic output. On average, this will be possible over the years in addition to the normal budget through the 100 billion euro special fund for the Bundeswehr, said the minister.
Trump: If necessary, Europeans must get more involved
Pistorius did not want to comment on the consequences of a possible re-election of former US President Donald Trump, who was critical of NATO. It remains to be seen whether Trump will actually become the Republican candidate for next year’s elections and how the elections will turn out, the minister said.
“I have no reason to assume that the Americans will withdraw from NATO, from Europe,” emphasized Pistorius. However, if something changes more in the “weight shift” of the USA in the direction of the Indo-Pacific, then the European members of NATO would have to “take more responsibility”. Everyone is aware of this.