By David Kirichenko — Associate Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society
From: New Voice of Ukraine 🇺🇦
Ukraine’s fresh offensive in Kursk has once again showcased its ability to defy expectations, highlighting Russia’s vulnerabilities even as potential peace talks under a Trump administration loom. As Trump prepares to take office, one key ally that must be brought into sharper focus is Germany.
Just before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Germany offered Ukraine 5,000 combat helmets as an aid against a potential Moscow attack. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, called the gesture “an absolute joke,” sarcastically adding, “What support are they going to send next? Pillows?” Nonetheless, Germany’s support for Ukraine has significantly evolved throughout the war, solidifying its role as one of Ukraine’s most crucial allies.
Then in November 2023, Germany unveiled new defense policy guidelines, marking its first major update in over a decade, as part of the “Zeitenwende” policy shift announced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted Germany’s commitment to becoming the backbone of European defense, pledging to rebuild the military with a EUR 100 billion fund and to meet NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target by 2024.
Voice of Ukraine 