While in Kyiv, Olaf Scholz promised Ukraine a €650M military aid package. 

The defense equipment will arrive by the end of this year, said the German chancellor, who arrived in Kyiv on December 2. Kyiv will receive IRIS-T air defense systems, Patriot launchers, 10 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, 60 infantry fighting vehicles, and M84 and M80 armored vehicles. In addition, the package includes 6,000 unguided and 500 guided missiles, as well as 4,000 Helsing drones. It also contains winter equipment, small arms, and heating equipment.

According to Scholz, his visit to Kyiv sends a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that “We will not stop supporting Ukraine. We will support Ukrainians as long as it is necessary.”

President Zelenskyy noted that additional strengthening of the Ukrainian air shield was also discussed during the negotiations with Chancellor Scholz. However, Scholz is still against supplying Taurus long-range missiles despite Ukraine’s other allies deciding to lift all restrictions on Ukraine’s use of their munitions in Russian territory.