Scholz blocks proposal for $3 billion arms package for Ukraine, Spiegel reports
The initiative reportedly included the provision weapons including three additional Iris-T air defense batteries, 10 howitzers, and more artillery ammunition.
Germany
Ukraine to receive another 180,000 rounds of ammunition for Gepard systems from Germany
The order for a new batch of rounds of HEI-T ammunition (High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer) was booked in December 2024 and is funded by the German government.
Scholz denies claims that he could meet with Putin in Russia
Roderich Kiesewetter, defense spokesperson for Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said earlier that "there are increasing indications that Chancellor Scholz will travel to Moscow and meet Putin before Feb. 23."
German opposition suggests Scholz could meet Putin before end of February
"There are increasing indications that Chancellor Scholz will travel to Moscow and meet Putin before February 23," Roderich Kiesewetter, defense spokesperson for Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on X.
Germany should not rule out peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, CDU lawmaker says
Germany should not rule out deploying Bundeswehr troops to Ukraine after the war ends, Roderich Kiesewetter, a lawmaker from the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on Jan. 3, Schwäbische Zeitung reported.
German prosecutors charge 3 with spying for Russia
The main suspect is 40-year-old Dieter S., a former member of Russian proxy forces in Ukraine who the prosecutors said took pictures of military facilities and planned railway sabotage.
German peacekeeping role in Ukraine hinges on Russia's consent, Merz says
"If a peace agreement is reached and Ukraine needs security guarantees, we can only discuss this if there is a clear mandate under international law. I don’t see it at the moment. I would like such a mandate to be given in consensus with Russia, not in conflict," Friedrich Merz said.
German FM warns of Russian 'shadow fleet' amid undersea cable incidents, calls for sanctions
"Almost every month, ships are currently damaging important undersea cables in the Baltic Sea," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Funke media group on Dec. 28. "This is an urgent wake-up call for all of us."
Germany provides Ukraine with 15 Leopard 1 tanks, 2 IRIS-T systems, 2 Patriot launchers
Berlin supplied Ukraine with 15 Leopard 1A5 tanks, one short-range and one medium-range IRIS-T air defense system with missiles, two Patriot air defense launchers, and other aid in the latest delivery, the German government said on Dec. 23.
NATO chief defends Scholz, calls Zelensky's criticism 'unfair'
In the interview, Rutte said that Scholz's contributions to Ukraine are commendable. The chancellor ensured that Germany ranks second after the U.S. in military support for Ukraine, something Kyiv could express its gratitude for, Rutte noted.
BMW dismisses employees involved in scheme to illegally deliver cars to Russia
BMW discovered irregularities that allowed cars to be transferred to Russia from its branch in Hanover, the German automaker said on Dec. 22.
Ukrainian woman in serious condition following Germany's Christmas market attack
A Ukrainian woman is in serious condition after a car plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on the evening of Dec. 20. The incident has claimed five lives and left over 200 people injured, many of them critically.
'If Putin attacks, we need to be able to wage war,' German Defense Minister says
Boris Pistorius has come out in favor of a reform of the debt brake in order to increase funding for military defense.
Rheinmetall to provide Ukraine with 20 more Marder infantry fighting vehicles
German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received an order to supply Ukraine with 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles, the company announced on Dec. 17.
Bundestag votes no confidence in Scholz government, elections set for February
Chancellor Olaf Scholz failed a confidence vote in the Bundestag on Dec. 16, paving the way for early parliamentary elections scheduled for Feb. 23.
Scholz's Social Democratic Party rejects sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine in election program, media reports
"We stand by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's decision not to deliver the Taurus cruise missile from the Bundeswehr's stocks," the SPD program reportedly reads, adding that weapons deliveries should come with "prudence and a sense of proportion."
German CDU party highlights support for Ukraine in election program, European Pravda reports
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), one of Germany’s leading political parties, has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine as part of its platform in the upcoming German parliament elections, European Pravda reported on Dec. 14.
Scholz ready to talk to Putin again despite 'frustrating' phone call
"I will do it again. But we must not have any illusions about it," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, according to Zeit.
Taurus delivery to Ukraine should be coordinated with US, European partners, German opposition leader says
German Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz would closely coordinate the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine with the U.S. and European partners, he said in an interview with Bild on Dec. 9.
Russia detains Russian-German citizen over alleged sabotage plot
Russia’s security services detained a Russian-German citizen for allegedly preparing a sabotage plot against railways, Russian news agency Interfax reported on Dec. 10.
70% of Ukrainians support 'West German' model for NATO accession, survey shows
A key difference is that the invitation would encompass the entire Ukraine, but the alliance's defensive "umbrella" would extend to the occupied territories only after their future liberation.
German opposition leader vows Ukraine won't fight one-handed
During his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Friedrich Merz, the leading contender to become Germany's next chancellor, condemned the German government's hesitance to provide long-range weaponry like Taurus cruise missiles.
Ukraine war latest: Zelensky 'may consider' deployment of foreign peacekeepers to ensure ceasefire
Key developments on Dec. 9: * Zelensky 'may consider' deployment of foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine to ensure ceasefire * Ex-chief of Russian-run Olenivka prison allegedly killed in car bombing in occupied Donetsk * Trump 'formulating a concept' to end Russia-Ukraine war * Russia claims bodies of Il-76 crash victims given to Ukraine, Kyiv says
German opposition leader proposes European contact group to unify Ukraine peace strategy
Speaking to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the German politician said that this united vision should be then presented to the U.S. leadership. Zelensky voiced his support for the proposal, Ukrinform reported.
Zelensky 'may consider' deployment of foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine to ensure ceasefire
Ukraine "may consider" French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to deploy European peacekeepers on its territory but only after getting a clear understanding of the NATO membership timeline, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after meeting German opposition leader Friedrich Merz on Dec. 9.
German opposition leader Merz arrives in Kyiv
"The purpose of my visit is to learn about the current state of defense in the country," Friedrich Merz said upon arrival. "I am looking forward to a meeting with President (Volodymyr Zelensky) again."
The Week Ahead: Key Developments Impacting Global Politics & Markets
Editor's note: This article is a shortened on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter covering events from Dec. 9 to Dec. 15. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox every Sunday. Romania's newly elected Parliament to set
Scholz tells journalists joint strategy on Ukraine possible with Trump
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on a joint strategy for Ukraine following their phone conversation.
Discussions about German peacekeepers in Ukraine 'irresponsible,' opposition leader says
Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz said on Dec. 4 that any speculations about deploying German troops to ensure a ceasefire are irresponsible at this time.
Russia increasing presence, provocations in Baltic Sea, German minister says
The comments came shortly after a Russian warship fired a warning shot at a German military helicopter patrolling the Baltic Sea.
As NATO ministers meet, some members continue to oppose membership invitation for Ukraine
An undisclosed NATO source told the Ukrainian Suspilne outlet that the U.S. and Germany continue to oppose inviting Ukraine at the moment.
German FM doesn't rule out deploying troops to Ukraine in case of ceasefire
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told journalists that in order to achieve long term peace in Ukraine, security guarantees such as Ukraine’s NATO membership and deployment of international troops, including German ones, are conceivable.
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