Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has promised Ukraine further arms deliveries. This includes the delivery of small arms, including sniper rifles. “We will make this possible quickly,” said Pistorius on Tuesday
With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently visiting Germany, Pistorius visited a military training area in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where Ukrainian soldiers are being trained on the Patriot air defense system. It was “a matter close to his heart” to announce the additional delivery, said Pistorius.
There will also be support for anti-tank weapons, components for artillery ammunition and in the area of drones and drone defense. As part of a German initiative, an additional 100 Patriot guided missiles will also be provided together with Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. 32 have already been delivered, and 68 will follow in the next few weeks.
Pistorius pointed out that two weeks ago he had promised an aid package of almost 500 million euros. This included wheeled howitzers, 350 drone systems, 300 artillery tubes and urgently needed ammunition for air defense.
Zelenskyj thanked them for their support and awarded some of the Ukrainian soldiers, all of whom have combat experience in war, with orders and medals. Most of the soldiers being trained at the site come from temporarily occupied areas in Ukraine.
“They are motivated to train quickly, to return, to bring back their home and the victory,” said Zelensky, who arrived by helicopter from Berlin. There he took part in an international reconstruction conference for his country and then gave a speech in the Bundestag.