German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius aims to increase the country's annual defense budget to over 60 billion euros, starting in 2025. In 2024, Germany's regular defense budget amounted to 52 billion euros.
The leaders of the SPD and CDU/CSU signed a coalition agreement, paving the way for the formation of a new German government. The document records plans for border control, taxes and military service.
Boris Pistorius will retain the post of Defence Minister in the new German government. Other appointments to the coalition between Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) have also been made.
German military officials are concerned about the US Ambassador to NATO's demands to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. He threatens that Trump will not attend the summit if the demands are not met.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed doubts about a unilateral ceasefire by Russia. He stressed that he expects US support for Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Friedrich Merz announced the first candidates from the CDU for ministerial posts, emphasizing experience and dedication. Among them are Wadephul for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Schneider for transport.
Boris Pistorius assured Ukraine of further support from Germany. The Minister of Defense emphasized that Ukraine's defeat would be a threat to NATO and peace in Europe.
Boris Pistorius stated that Ukraine should not agree to Trump's proposal regarding territorial concessions in exchange for a ceasefire, calling it a surrender.
The Bundeswehr is negotiating with logistics companies to transfer troops and equipment to the eastern border of NATO. Germany has been designated as the Alliance's logistics hub.
Germany has handed over ammunition for Gepard, Leopard 2 tanks, demining vehicles and Zuzana 2 self-propelled guns to Ukraine. The package also includes armored vehicles, drones, radars and other equipment.
The President of Ukraine addressed the participants of "Ramstein", emphasizing the need for 10 Patriot systems. He emphasized that Russia is the only cause of the war.
German Defense Minister Pistorius believes that peace in Ukraine "seems unattainable in the near future".
Ukraine and Germany have officially launched the Radio-Electronic Warfare Coalition within the framework of "Ramstein". The initiative, which was joined by 11 states, will focus on the purchase of equipment and training of specialists.
Germany has already handed over 4 Patriot systems to Ukraine and cannot provide more at the moment. Allies are looking for additional air defense systems for Ukraine around the world.
The German Defense Minister stated that the Bundeswehr reform aims to reduce bureaucracy in procurement and expand infrastructure. Germany seeks to strengthen its defense and support Ukraine.
The German Defense Minister announced a new aid package for Ukraine, which will include four IRIS-T systems and 30 Patriot missiles. The possibility of manufacturing missiles under license in Ukraine is also being discussed.
A meeting of around 30 countries will take place in Brussels to plan a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine's defense. The defense ministers of Great Britain and France will lead the meeting.
The new German government plans to renew military service on a voluntary basis. The issue of compulsory conscription remains open for the time being, but a registration system will be introduced.
The CDU will gain control of the German Foreign Ministry for the first time in 60 years, Johann Wadephul will head the department. Boris Pistorius will remain as Minister of Defense.
The Finnish Minister of Defense called on NATO to have a clear action plan in case of the withdrawal of US troops from Europe, in order to avoid a window of opportunity for Russian aggression. He emphasized coordination with EU initiatives.
The German Minister of Defense criticized the Trump-Putin agreement on a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, calling it a "pacifier". Russian attacks did not stop after the conversation.
Britain and France are developing a plan to guarantee Ukraine's security. It envisages the deployment of troops and the creation of a coalition of states to protect against Russian aggression.
The German Minister of Defense reported on the likely holding of the next "Ramstein" meeting at the end of March - beginning of April. The decision will be made at the "Group of Five" meeting in Paris.
Defense Minister Umerov stated that Ukraine has not yet received information about restrictions on access to US intelligence data. Kyiv is working on alternative data sources, including with Germany.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius held a virtual meeting with representatives from five NATO European countries. Participants confirmed further political and military support for Ukraine, with the next meeting scheduled for March 12 in Paris.
Olaf Scholz acknowledged the SPD's historic defeat in the federal elections and welcomed Friedrich Merz's victory. The CDU/CSU won, and the AfD significantly improved its results.
U. S. Vice President Jay D. Vance criticized Germany's policy on restricting freedom of speech on the Internet. He stated that the U.S. military presence in Germany could be reviewed due to Berlin's position.
The President of Ukraine had a conversation with the NATO Secretary General about security guarantees and achieving a guaranteed peace. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of broad representation of countries in the process and the impossibility of deception by Putin.
The German defense minister believes that public statements by the United States about the impossibility of Ukraine joining NATO strengthen Putin's position. Pistorius emphasized the unacceptability of negotiations without the participation of European states.
Germany's defense minister warned of a possible turning point in transatlantic relations due to the US desire for a quick truce. He emphasized that there will be no lasting peace without a strong Ukraine.