German FM criticizes own government regarding Ukraine assistance
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Berlin for placing its national interests ahead of support for Kiev. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s cabinet for what she perceives as insufficient support for Ukraine. In a statement to PMG on Friday, she expressed concern that the country’s leaders are preoccupied with impending snap elections, leading them to prioritize national interests over “responsibility for securing Europe’s peace” and maintaining trust among allies.
Baerbock’s comments followed reports that Scholz is opposed to a new military aid package for Ukraine, estimated at €3 billion. According to Der Spiegel, the chancellor views the package as unnecessary, believing that Kiev has ample resources from Germany’s previous contributions. He is also reportedly cautious about alienating voters ahead of the upcoming electoral decision.
On Friday, Baerbock condemned what she characterized as the pursuit of voter approval at the expense of critical commitments. She stated, “Some prioritize a national perspective – or how to quickly gain a few votes in the parliamentary election – rather than taking real responsibility for securing Europe’s peace and freedom,” without explicitly mentioning Scholz or his cabinet.
Baerbock asserted that the lack of support for Ukraine has resulted in Germany not being perceived as a significant advocate for peace in Europe. This situation “pains” her, she noted, emphasizing that “trust must not be damaged again by hesitation” which could lead other nations to question Germany’s reliability.
Baerbock, whose Greens Party currently ranks fourth in polls with 14%, also called for an increase in defense spending, aligning her views with those of her colleague, Economy Minister Robert Habeck. Habeck had proposed raising defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, a suggestion that faced criticism from Scholz, who described it as a half-baked idea that would burden taxpayers.
Currently, Germany’s defense spending is just above 2% of GDP. The nation ranks as one of the largest military aid providers to Ukraine, trailing only the US, having committed approximately €11 billion from January 2022 to October 2024, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
In a recent move, the German government reduced its military aid to Ukraine for 2025 to €4 billion, down from €7.5 billion the previous year. Furthermore, Scholz has been hesitant to autorizethe delivery of Taurus long-range missiles, citing concerns that such actions might escalate hostilities and directly involve Germany in the conflict.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
Baerbock’s comments followed reports that Scholz is opposed to a new military aid package for Ukraine, estimated at €3 billion. According to Der Spiegel, the chancellor views the package as unnecessary, believing that Kiev has ample resources from Germany’s previous contributions. He is also reportedly cautious about alienating voters ahead of the upcoming electoral decision.
On Friday, Baerbock condemned what she characterized as the pursuit of voter approval at the expense of critical commitments. She stated, “Some prioritize a national perspective – or how to quickly gain a few votes in the parliamentary election – rather than taking real responsibility for securing Europe’s peace and freedom,” without explicitly mentioning Scholz or his cabinet.
Baerbock asserted that the lack of support for Ukraine has resulted in Germany not being perceived as a significant advocate for peace in Europe. This situation “pains” her, she noted, emphasizing that “trust must not be damaged again by hesitation” which could lead other nations to question Germany’s reliability.
Baerbock, whose Greens Party currently ranks fourth in polls with 14%, also called for an increase in defense spending, aligning her views with those of her colleague, Economy Minister Robert Habeck. Habeck had proposed raising defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, a suggestion that faced criticism from Scholz, who described it as a half-baked idea that would burden taxpayers.
Currently, Germany’s defense spending is just above 2% of GDP. The nation ranks as one of the largest military aid providers to Ukraine, trailing only the US, having committed approximately €11 billion from January 2022 to October 2024, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
In a recent move, the German government reduced its military aid to Ukraine for 2025 to €4 billion, down from €7.5 billion the previous year. Furthermore, Scholz has been hesitant to autorizethe delivery of Taurus long-range missiles, citing concerns that such actions might escalate hostilities and directly involve Germany in the conflict.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
