Baerbock Raises Concerns Over Potential Cuts to German Support for Ukraine

The German Foreign Minister has expressed strong concerns regarding a possible reduction in financial support for Ukraine, particularly in the context of military aid. Speaking at a conference in Riyadh, she emphasized that Germany, as the second-largest supporter of Ukraine after the United States, had allocated nearly seven billion euros in aid over the past year. A significant decrease in this financial assistance would hinder Ukraine's ability to defend itself effectively, she warned.

Recent reports suggest that discussions within the German government are ongoing regarding future military aid to Ukraine. The Foreign Minister, alongside the Defense Minister, aims to secure an additional budget of approximately three billion euros for urgently needed weapons supplies before the upcoming federal election on February 23. However, the Chancellor's office has reportedly been cautious about advancing these plans, expressing concerns about committing the future government to pre-determined financial obligations.

In a recent television interview, the Chancellor referred to the collapse of the previous coalition government and the forthcoming election. A government spokesperson reiterated that military support for Ukraine remains a continual topic of discussion within the government, indicating that internal deliberations are still in progress.

Following the dissolution of the coalition government, Germany operates under a provisional budget based on the previous government's proposals, which included four billion euros earmarked for Ukraine assistance. The Chancellor pointed out that the original budget plan was short by 12.5 billion euros, complicating the feasibility of additional funding. He suggested suspending the debt brake to accommodate these expenses, a move that the Free Democratic Party has opposed, arguing that it could impact pensioners and local governments negatively.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted the broader implications of the conflict, stating that Russian aggression is not limited to Ukraine but poses threats to Europe as a whole. She noted recent incidents involving undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, suggesting that these actions are part of a larger strategy by Russia. Furthermore, she mentioned concerns over a tanker linked to Russia's shadow fleet, which is under sanctions, implying that such vessels pose environmental risks to neighboring countries, including potential ecological disasters that could affect tourism and local economies.

In conclusion, the ongoing support for Ukraine is not only vital for the country's security but also serves as a protective measure for broader European stability and safety, the Foreign Minister asserted.