“Arms deliveries too low”
Scholz is urging EU states to provide more military aid to Ukraine
January 8, 2024, 7:27 p.m
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Germany is doubling military aid to Ukraine and plans to deliver weapons worth eight billion euros this year. But this alone is not enough, says Chancellor Scholz. That’s why he’s calling on his allies in the European Union to also help with more military material.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called on the other EU states to provide greater support to Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia, this year. “The arms deliveries to Ukraine planned so far by the majority of EU member states are in any case too small,” said the SPD politician after a meeting with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden in Berlin. “I therefore call on our allies in the European Union to also increase their efforts on behalf of Ukraine.”
By the EU summit on February 1st at the latest, there must be as precise an overview as possible of what contribution the European partners will make to supporting Ukraine this year. “Europe must demonstrate that it stands closely with Ukraine, on the side of freedom, international law and European values,” warned Scholz.
Germany itself is now the strongest supporter of Ukraine after the USA. For this year alone, provisions have been made to deliver weapons and material worth eight billion euros, said the Chancellor, which means a double figure compared to 2023. In addition, there is billions in humanitarian and financial aid. However, the German contribution alone will not be enough to ensure the security of Ukraine.
Federal government criticized other EU states
The background to the request is concern that the USA could supply Ukraine with fewer weapons than before and that the EU could therefore bear greater responsibility. There is also criticism in the federal government that other states such as France and Spain are making too little of a contribution to Ukraine’s defense against the Russian attack. However, Scholz did not mention the names of EU partners.
“Europe must demonstrate that it stands closely on the side of Ukraine, on the side of freedom, international law and European values. In any case, we will support Ukraine as long as it is necessary,” said Scholz.
During the joint press conference with the Chancellor, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden supported Scholz’s demands for sufficient military support for Ukraine from the EU. Everyone must make “their contribution in solidarity,” said Frieden, because it is about protecting peace and freedom as well as the sovereignty of states. “It’s about fundamental principles. That’s why Luxembourg will continue to fully support Ukraine with its resources,” he said.