German chancellor vows continued support for Ukraine

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday pledged continued support for Ukraine in its war with Russia despite the ongoing household budget crisis in his country.

"Germany is now the second largest supporter of Ukraine after the United States of America, also when it comes to arms deliveries. We will continue this support as long as necessary," Scholz said in his speech at the German parliament on the government budget.

This support is “of existential importance” for Ukraine as well as Europe. he added.

Scholz warned that under “no circumstances” should support for Ukraine be eased.

“None of us wants to imagine what even more serious consequences it would have for us if Russia would win this war,” according to the chancellor.

Earlier this month, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced that her country would “massively expand” aid for Ukraine next year, as Kyiv steers into its second winter since Russia launched its full-scale war.

Baerbock said while Europe is coping with the war between Israel and Hamas, it is still important to “face the geopolitical challenge here (Ukraine).”

Germany has become one of Ukraine’s top military suppliers since the war started in February 2022, sending arms that include tanks, armored personnel carriers, air defense systems and Patriot missile systems.