Germany Scales Back Transparency on Ukraine Military Aid
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Saturday that Berlin will reduce public disclosure of military aid to Ukraine, citing the need for “strategic ambiguity” to avoid giving Russia a tactical advantage.
Speaking during his visit to Kyiv, Merz pledged continued German support for Ukraine in coordination with European allies and the United States but said debates over specific weapons systems will no longer be conducted publicly.
“Under my leadership, the debate about arms deliveries, calibers, weapons systems and so on will be taken out of the public eye,” Merz told German broadcasters RTL and n-tv.
He emphasized that while the issue remains of legitimate public interest, operational security concerns now outweigh the need for transparency.
The chancellor said all decisions regarding the type and quantity of military aid will continue to be made within the Federal Cabinet and in close consultation with international partners.
Merz specifically addressed speculation over the potential delivery of Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine — a topic that has drawn significant attention in Germany and Ukraine.
He declined to confirm or deny whether the missiles would be supplied, citing the new policy of discretion on arms transfers.
Commitment to Ukraine unchanged
The shift marks a departure from Germany’s approach since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Initially cautious, Berlin later began regularly publishing detailed lists of military equipment provided to Kyiv, following pressure from lawmakers and the media.
Merz, who assumed office on Tuesday, stressed that Germany’s commitment to Ukraine remains unchanged.
“We support Ukraine militarily to the extent that we can and bear responsibility for it,” he said. “And we are doing this in order to put an end to this war.”
He also called on other European leaders to expand their financial support for Ukraine, saying Germany would do the same.
The German government last updated its list of military aid in April, adding air defense systems, ammunition and drones. But sources previously told Reuters that future updates would be scaled back to prevent disclosing operational details.
The governing coalition — made up of the Christian Democratic Union, Christian Social Union and the Social Democratic Party — reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its coalition agreement before entering office.
See the original here.
Source: Tvp World