Spokesman Michael Stempfle has stressed that Germany needs to focus on its own defenses and those of its European allies
Germany has reached the limit of its capacity to supply weapons to Ukraine from its own Bundeswehr arsenals, according to Michael Stempfle, the official spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Stempfle was asked about the further transfer of Patriot systems and other weapons from German arsenals to Ukraine. He stated that while Berlin has already delivered many systems to Ukraine, there is a “natural limit to this.” He emphasized that Berlin also needed to strengthen the nation’s own defense capabilities and make sure its European allies are “well positioned.”
He said that the process of ensuring Germany’s own defenses was “running parallel to the Ukraine support.”
Germany has been one of Kiev’s most significant supporters since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 and has provided substantial military and financial aid to the country, to the tune of some €44 billion ($47 billion) according to the German government. The assistance has included Leopard tanks, Panzerfaust 3 anti-tank rockets, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled armored vehicles.
While it is unclear what Stempfle’s disclosure will mean for future German military aid deliveries, it comes at a time when Kiev may face additional difficulties on the battlefield after Trump reportedly cut off Washington’s support.
Several US outlets have claimed that Trump ordered all weapons deliveries to Kiev put on hold following his public spat with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky last week. The suspension reportedly includes critical weaponry such as battle tanks, long-range missiles, and air defense systems. Washington has also brought all intelligence sharing with Kiev to a halt, according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Zelensky has expressed concerns over the suspension of foreign military aid, stating that Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense without external support is limited.
Russia has consistently criticized Western military aid to Ukraine, arguing that it prolongs the conflict without altering its outcome. Moscow’s officials have repeatedly stressed that such support only escalates tensions and hampers prospects for a peaceful resolution.
