362
Germany will be able to provide most of the 4 billion euros promised to Ukraine, even if the country's 2025 budget is not passed in time due to the collapse of the coalition government. This was reported by Reuters with reference to sources in the budget committee of the Federal Republic of Germany.
It is noted that these funds are mostly earmarked, and therefore, they can be provided to Kyiv within the framework of the temporary budget administration, if the budget itself is not approved.
The publication reminds that according to the draft budget of Germany for 2025, aid to Ukraine has been reduced to 4 billion euros from about 8 billion euros in 2024, because Germany hoped that Ukraine would be able to meet most of its military needs with the help of loans in the amount of 50 billion dollars from proceeds from frozen Russian assets approved by the Group of Seven.
"However, the return of the Republican Donald Trump to the White House causes concern in Europe that the US support for Kyiv may decrease. Germany's coalition government collapsed hours after Trump's victory became apparent on Wednesday, when Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired his finance minister, Christian Lindner, the article said.
The authors point out that the likely delay in approving Germany's budget for next year means no spending on new projects, although some spending, such as additional aid to Ukraine, may still be accepted, Economy Minister Robert Habeck said:
"The launch of new financing programs will require a decision of the budget committee or the Bundestag. So there is some restriction on new programs, but everything that is already there can continue as planned."
Germany's aid to Ukraine - the latest news
The fired German Finance Minister Christian Lindner talked about the quarrel with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In particular, he announced that he offered to transfer to Ukraine what it most needs for effective defense against Russia - Taurus cruise missiles.
As Lindner said, Scholz categorically rejected this proposal and instead announced the dismissal of the minister from his post.
