The German authorities agreed to provide Kyiv with additional weapons in the amount of €2.7 billion, this will be the largest package of military assistance from Berlin. It will be announced during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Germany, Spiegel reported on May 13, citing sources.
According to media reports, negotiations on military assistance went through the chancellor and relevant departments. Spiegel notes that the German government plans to transfer to Kyiv 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), 30 Leopard 1 tanks, up to 200 drones. It is also planned to supply vehicles, anti-aircraft self-propelled guns (ZSU) Gepard, air defense systems (ABM) IRIS-T, ammunition for artillery, writes RIA News.
The publication reports that the new aid package will be officially announced in Aachen, Germany, at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony for Zelensky. The annual award is given for contribution to the unification of Europe.
German media wrote that Zelensky was planning a visit to Berlin on May 13 at the invitation of the German Chancellor. Later it became known that Kyiv was “disappointed” with the disclosure of the details of the President’s visit. Against this background, the trip can be canceled.
In addition, it was reported about the upcoming “lightning” Zelensky’s visit to Italy. There, the President of Ukraine plans to meet with the pontiff. Probably the visit will take place on Saturday.
