German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a €1.4 billion ($1.53 billion) military aid package for Ukraine, set to be delivered by the end of 2024, signaling ongoing Western support against Russia, Reuters reports.
The aid package, developed in collaboration with Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, includes air defense systems, tanks, combat drones, and artillery. Scholz emphasized that this aid serves as a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the West’s support for Ukraine will not wane. However, Scholz has hesitated to supply long-range Taurus missiles as the ongoing support for Ukraine has also sparked challenges for mainstream parties in Germany, with the rise of Russia-friendly populist factions following regional elections.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is touring Europe to promote a “victory plan” aimed at ending the war and securing long-range weapons capable of striking deeper into Russia. Although the specifics of his plan remain undisclosed, it reportedly calls for quick ascension into NATO and increased weapons supplies, including long-range missiles, to compel Russia to negotiate.
Zelensky’s trip follows the cancellation of a summit of allied leaders in Germany due to US President Joe Biden’s focus on Hurricane Milton.
