**Germany Criticized for Slow Ukraine Aid**
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has spoken out against her own government’s slow response to providing aid to Ukraine. In comments published on January 17, she said Germany is not currently seen as a “driving force for peace policy in Europe.”
Baerbock criticized the German government for prioritizing short-term political gains over taking responsibility for securing Europe’s peace and freedom. The criticism comes ahead of the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23.
**Rift in the Government**
The comments reveal a growing rift between Baerbock’s Green Party and Chancellor Olaf Scholz‘s Social Democrats (SPD) over Ukraine aid. Scholz is reluctant to approve an additional €3 billion in security assistance for Kyiv, which has been supported by Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
**Ukraine’s Needs**
Baerbock emphasized that delays in German assistance mean Ukraine is less able to defend itself and, therefore, less able to defend Germany. Germany has already allocated €4 billion in military support for Ukraine this year.
**International Support**
Other countries are stepping up their support for Ukraine. The United Kingdom will provide new military aid, including artillery barrels, a mobile air defense system, and an expanded training initiative with allied nations. Italy‘s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has also called for increased support for Ukraine.
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