Germany says it has exhausted available weapons stocks for Ukraine

Yesterday 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Germany says it has exhausted available weapons stocks for Ukraine

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Thursday that Berlin has run out of weapons from existing stockpiles that can be supplied to Ukraine, warning that “nothing remains in storage that can be delivered” as NATO defense ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss continued support for Kyiv.

The statement highlights mounting pressure on European military reserves nearly four years after Russia’s full scale invasion began. Pistorius urged allied nations to review their own arsenals or increase financial contributions, noting that Germany has already transferred more than one third of its Patriot air defense capabilities to Ukraine.

Speaking at NATO headquarters, Pistorius said additional deliveries from Bundeswehr stocks are currently not feasible because Germany is awaiting replacement systems and must preserve its ability to meet NATO commitments and maintain force readiness. He described Germany’s contribution as disproportionate compared with that of other allies.

“The task before all of us is to jointly examine our own reserves, particularly those who may still have available capacities,” Pistorius told fellow defense ministers.

Despite the depletion of available stockpiles, Germany signaled it would continue financial support. Pistorius announced that Berlin is prepared to supply five additional PAC-3 missile interceptors if other countries collectively provide 30 similar missiles. He characterized the potential arrangement as a matter of days rather than weeks or months.

Germany remains Ukraine’s largest military backer in Europe. The Bundestag has approved 11.5 billion euros in assistance for 2026, an increase of 3 billion euros over earlier plans. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in December that Germany has delivered roughly 40 billion euros in military aid and 36 billion euros in civilian assistance since February 2022.

Pistorius also condemned Russia’s ongoing strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, describing them as acts of terror against civilians and calling them particularly cynical amid discussions about a possible ceasefire.

The strain on German supplies reflects broader challenges across Europe. During Thursday’s meeting, the United Kingdom announced 500 million pounds in emergency air defense support, while Sweden pledged to finance additional purchases of US weapons through NATO’s priority needs list for Ukraine. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, now co chaired by Germany and the United Kingdom following the United States’ withdrawal from its leadership role, continues to coordinate military assistance.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance remains capable of supporting Ukraine while addressing emerging security concerns in the Arctic, stressing that NATO is strong enough to manage both responsibilities despite resource constraints.