Germany denies ignoring diplomacy in Ukraine conflict

Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, has dismissed claims that Berlin is relying solely on weapons in the Ukraine conflict without pursuing diplomacy.

Klingbeil stated that the German government always relies on diplomacy; however, Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly “does not want to negotiate” and intends to continue the conflict, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

According to the minister, no “policy reversal” should be expected from Moscow regarding Ukraine.

He also said that Germany will increase defence spending to the necessary percentage of the country’s GDP.

“If in the end it is three per cent, then we will do three per cent; if in the end it is 3.5 per cent, then we will do 3.5 per cent,” Klingbeil assured.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has emerged as one of Ukraine’s key military supporters.

Berlin has provided substantial military aid, combining deliveries from Bundeswehr stockpiles and newly procured equipment financed by government funds. By mid-2025, Germany had committed around €28 billion in military assistance to Kyiv.

This aid includes 18 Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, 14 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, 5 MARS II multiple rocket launchers, 2 Patriot air defence systems, and 50 Dingo 2 armoured vehicles, along with significant quantities of ammunition and small arms.

Germany has pledged an additional €9 billion in military support for 2025, signalling its ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Beyond military hardware, Germany has also been the largest humanitarian donor within the European Union, allocating over €1.4 billion to support displaced persons and emergency relief efforts throughout the conflict.

In February 2024, Germany and Ukraine signed a bilateral agreement to deepen security cooperation, emphasising long-term support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev