The new German aid package includes infantry fighting vehicles and Iris-T SLM air defense systems. The announcement comes the same day Zelenskiy is visiting Rome. In anticipation of a possible visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Berlin, Germany has promised Ukraine to send additional weapons worth 2.7 billion euros (about 14.5 billion rupees). (13/05) German Ministry of Defence.
According to the ministry, the package includes 20 more Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 30 Leopard-1 tanks and four more Iris-T SLM anti-aircraft defense systems.
“We all hope for a quick end to this terrible war of Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately there is no sign of that. That is why Germany will provide all the help it can, for as long as it takes,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in a statement.
Germany’s largest military aid package
According to the German magazine Der Spiegel, this is the largest military aid package promised by Germany to Ukraine so far. It also includes 15 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, 200 reconnaissance drones, anti-aircraft munitions, additional artillery munitions and more than 200 armored fighting and logistic vehicles.
Initially, Germany was reluctant to send heavy weapons to Ukraine, fearing it could escalate the conflict. But in January, Berlin agreed to send its Leopard tanks and said it would work with the allies to supply more weapons to the country being invaded by Russia.
Since the beginning of the war, Germany has approved the sending of military aid to Ukraine worth 2.75 billion euros. This Saturday’s announcement nearly doubled that amount. Berlin is a major supporter of Kiev, both militarily and financially.
The new military aid package was announced the same day Zelensky arrived in Rome to meet with the country’s leaders. The Ukrainian president is expected to travel from the Italian capital to Berlin. On Sunday he will receive the Charlemagne Prize in the German city of Aachen on behalf of the Ukrainian people. His participation in the ceremony has not yet been confirmed.
Zelensky in Italy
Zelenski arrived in Italy this Saturday. On his Twitter profile, he wrote that the visit was “important for the victory of Ukraine”. In Rome he will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has provided military aid to Ukraine, and President Sergio Mattarella.
Zelenskyj thus reciprocates Meloni’s visit to Kiev, shortly before the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, on February 24, 2022, which started the war.
The Ukrainian president should also be received at the Vatican by Pope Francis. This will be the first meeting between Zelensky and the pope since the start of the war.
cn (dpa, AFP, AP, Reuters, Lusa)
Source: Terra
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