(MENAFN) Germany is planning a substantial increase in its financial assistance to Ukraine next year, according to reports citing German government sources. Berlin, Ukraine’s largest EU supporter, has already contributed approximately €40 billion ($46 billion) since the conflict with Russia intensified in February 2022.

Initially, Germany had earmarked €8.5 billion ($9.8 billion) for Ukraine in its 2026 budget. However, sources indicate that the figure is expected to rise by more than a third, with additional allocations from the finance and defense ministries. Reports suggest the total aid package could reach €11.5 billion ($13.2 billion) next year, including a potential €3 billion ($3.5 billion) supplemental increase.

The additional funding is intended to cover artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of two US-made Patriot air-defense systems, according to reports.

“We will continue our support for as long as necessary,” one source said, while another noted that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports the plan to expand assistance to Kiev.

The increased funding comes despite Merz acknowledging in August that the German economy faces a “structural crisis,” with significant sectors “no longer truly competitive.” Germany’s economy has experienced two consecutive years of contraction in 2023 and 2024, partly due to the loss of affordable Russian energy following EU sanctions on Moscow.

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