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German Vice-Chancellor calls for reliable security guarantees for Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine, August 25, 2025 — German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil called on Monday for “reliable security guarantees” for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, announcing that Berlin would maintain an annual military support package of 9 billion euros for the war-torn country.
Upon arrival, Klingbeil emphasized the need for a ceasefire and security assurances that ensure lasting peace for Ukraine. “We are at the beginning of discussions,” he said, noting that these guarantees could take various forms. He stressed the goal of a strong Ukrainian army and the intensification of domestic arms production to enable the country to defend itself and deter aggression.
Germany, the main European supporter of Ukraine, will maintain the 9-billion-euro annual effort already committed in 2025, covering the budgets for 2025, 2026, and beyond. Most of this funding goes to military aid, projected at 8.5 billion euros in 2026 and 2027, while also including civil support and assistance for Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Since the Russian invasion in early 2022, hosting refugees has represented half of Germany’s total aid to Ukraine.
In Kyiv, Klingbeil also highlighted Germany’s role in supporting a potential peace process, saying, “Germany will assume its responsibilities.” Achieving a European-American agreement on security guarantees for Kyiv remains complex, especially after Russia rejected the immediate organization of a summit with Ukraine, despite U.S. efforts led by President Donald Trump.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated the call for stationing foreign troops in Ukraine after the war ends. So far, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has remained vague about the possible involvement of the Bundeswehr in Ukraine.
