German Foreign Minister Calls for Fast Bundestag Approval of €3 Billion Ukraine Aid

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expects the Bundestag to approve 3 billion euros in aid to Ukraine before the early elections, scheduled for February 23. 

She hopes that the budget committee will finalize the decision on the funding next week, she announced on January 20. Baerbock noted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is disregarding Germany's current election campaign.

Baerbock has previously criticized the German government for its indecision on aid to Ukraine, arguing that some prioritize national interests or electoral gains rather than taking responsibility for maintaining peace and security in Europe.

"We see that the Russian president [dictator Vladimir Putin - ed.] is ignoring the fact that we are currently in an election campaign and have early elections," the minister emphasized.

According to DW, there is broad agreement among the main parties in the Bundestag on the need to provide new funding to Ukraine, but they have not yet agreed on how to allocate the necessary funds.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is reportedly opposed to approving the aid package before the elections, as he is reluctant to make a decision that could constrain the future government. 

As Ukraine’s second-largest financial and military backer, Germany has become a focal point for Russian efforts to weaken Western unity and reduce support for Kyiv.

Earlier, Russian media outlets, including TASS, reported that a Danish F-16 instructor was killed in a missile strike in Ukraine. In response, the Danish Ministry of Defense issued a statement rejecting the claim, labeling it as disinformation.