Germany to provide over €11 billion in aid to Ukraine in 2026, Merz says
Germany will allocate more than €11 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine in 2026, while also expanding targeted support for the country’s energy infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and kindergartens, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NT24 reports, with reference to UNN.
Speaking alongside Zelensky, Merz confirmed that Berlin has approved a comprehensive assistance package exceeding €11 billion for the coming year, emphasizing that the funds will cover both military and civilian needs. A separate component of the support will focus on ensuring stable energy supplies for essential social institutions in Ukraine, amid continued Russian attacks aimed at damaging the country’s energy system.
According to the German chancellor, since February 2022 Germany has provided Ukraine with approximately €40 billion in military aid. In parallel, civilian assistance has reached €36 billion, covering humanitarian, economic and infrastructure-related needs. An additional €170 million has been specifically allocated to strengthen the protection and recovery of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Merz also noted that Germany is coordinating its efforts with European partners and the G7 to secure further financial mechanisms for Ukraine. One of the instruments currently under discussion is a reparations-based credit facility financed through frozen Russian state assets. As Merz explained, such funding could help sustain Ukraine’s budgetary stability for at least the next two years.
The announcement comes shortly after the German Bundestag approved the federal budget for 2026, which includes a record level of support for Ukraine. Under the adopted framework, Berlin plans to spend €11.5 billion on assistance to Ukraine next year, marking the largest annual commitment since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Earlier, Merz stated that a comprehensive end to the war in Ukraine would only be possible if any settlement conditions are acceptable both to Kyiv and the European Union.
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