Germany says Ukraine needs ‘massive military support’

BERLIN

Germany’s foreign minister on Tuesday pledged further military support for Ukraine, despite strong warnings from Russia.

“Ukraine needs massive military support,” Annalena Baerbock told a joint news conference with his Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau, following their meeting in Berlin.

She said the US-led Ukraine Contact Group, which includes Germany, Poland and key NATO allies, discussed details of new military aid packages to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

“We’re working together with Poland and other partners to reinforce delivering weapons, ammunition and heavy military equipment to Ukraine,” Baerbock said.

The top German diplomat also underlined that EU member states will take further economic measures in the coming days to increase pressure on the Kremlin.

“I am confident that as EU member states we will soon reach an agreement on the 6th package of sanctions against Russia,” she said, referring to more sanctions which include an oil embargo against Russia, something Hungary has opposed. The unanimity of all the 27 member countries is needed to agree on the new package.

Russia has repeatedly warned that arms deliveries to Ukraine would “provoke instability” and become a threat to Europe's security.

At least 3,930 civilians have been killed and 4,532 injured since Russia launched a war on Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Nearly 6.6 million people have fled to other countries, while more than 7.7 million have been internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.