Unprecedented Military Aid from Germany to Ukraine; Dozens of Tanks and Drones Head to Battle Against Russia

Germany announced on Saturday that it will provide 2.7 billion euros (approximately 3 billion dollars) in military aid to Ukraine, marking the largest military assistance package from the country since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Germany also committed to support Kyiv for as long as necessary. According to a statement from the German Ministry of Defense, the package includes 30 Leopard 1 tanks, 15 Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, over 200 reconnaissance drones, and four IRIS-T air defense systems. Boris Pistorius, the German Defense Minister, stated, 'We all wish for a quick end to this terrible and illegal war... Unfortunately, this is not yet predictable. Therefore, Germany will provide any assistance it can - for as long as necessary.' Andriy Yermak, head of the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed the package in a Telegram post, writing, 'Thank you to our allies.' Ukraine has been pressuring its allies to send long-range weapons, fighter jets, and ammunition ahead of an expected counteroffensive in the coming weeks or months. The military aid package from Germany also includes 18 howitzers. Initially, Germany was reluctant to provide heavy weapons to Ukraine to help the country cope with the Russian invasion, fearing it might escalate the war. However, in January, Berlin agreed to send Leopard tanks and stated it would cooperate with allies to send more aid to Ukraine.