Germany has announced a substantial military aid package worth €500 million (£430m) to bolster Ukraine's defences against Russian aggression. The move comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Vladimir Putin's recent peace overtures as a tactical bluff designed to undermine international support for Kyiv.
Substantial Arms Package
The German defence ministry confirmed the new funding will include advanced air defence systems, artillery ammunition, and armoured vehicles. This commitment follows growing pressure on Berlin to increase its military support as the war enters its third year.
Zelenskyy's Stark Warning
President Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, cautioned Western allies against falling for what he called Putin's 'empty peace rhetoric'. 'When the enemy speaks of peace, they're preparing for war,' the Ukrainian leader stated, pointing to recent Russian troop buildups near Kharkiv.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
The announcement coincides with heightened diplomatic activity across Europe, with several NATO members reportedly considering similar arms packages. Analysts suggest the German decision may prompt other hesitant allies to follow suit.
Meanwhile, Moscow has condemned the arms transfer as 'a dangerous escalation', threatening unspecified consequences. The Kremlin's spokesperson reiterated claims that Western weapons prolong the conflict while ignoring what Russia describes as its genuine peace efforts.
