Germany’s FM presses opposition to back support for Ukraine

Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock has urged members of the opposition bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), not to obstruct the government's decisions on supporting Ukraine. 

While speaking at a conference, she emphasised, "What we cannot afford right now is to waste our efforts. We cannot afford to engage in debates over issues that are important but, from a geopolitical perspective, are of secondary importance," Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Baerbock stressed the need to mobilise all available resources for Ukraine's support, highlighting that Ukrainian authorities are requesting enhanced air defence systems and permission to strike Russian supply lines by using Western weaponry.  

When asked if she would be willing to continue serving as minister for foreign affairs in a new government, Baerbock answered affirmatively.

"As I love my job, yes, I would be happy to continue it," she said.  

Following the exit of the liberals from the ruling coalition, the Social Democrats and the Greens no longer hold a majority in parliament.

As a result, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government now depends entirely on the opposition to pass the planned legislative proposals.  

Germany is the second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the US. To date, Germany has allocated approximately 28 billion euros ($29 billion) for military support to Kyiv and committed to future spending. 

Under the 2025 budget agreement, Germany is set to provide about 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, half of the amount allocated for the current year. However, the budget has not yet been approved by the Bundestag. 

Russian authorities have repeatedly stated that the continued flow of arms to Ukraine will not diminish Russia's resolve and will not alter the course of its special military operation.

By Naila Huseynova