Germany’s Scholz Pledges €650M in Military Aid to Kyiv During Surprise Visit

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Pays Surprise Visit to Ukraine, Announces Major Arms Package

BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an unannounced trip to Ukraine on Monday, where he revealed plans for a substantial arms package valued at hundreds of millions of euros. The military aid is scheduled to reach Kyiv before the end of the year.

“I want to emphasize, here on the ground, that Germany will remain Ukraine’s strongest supporter in Europe,” Scholz stated. He also announced that, during his discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he would confirm a new arms package worth €650 million, with deliveries expected by December’s close.

While Scholz has consistently highlighted Germany’s role as one of Ukraine’s top military backers, the chancellor from the center-left Social Democratic Party has faced criticism for his cautious approach. As he campaigns ahead of Germany’s snap election in February, Scholz has maintained his stance against providing Kyiv with long-range missiles. He frames this decision as a demonstration of his “prudence” in balancing military support with measured action.