**Germany Commits $3.2 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine**
The German parliament has agreed to provide an additional 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in military aid to Ukraine. This decision was made as part of a plan to increase Germany’s defense spending, announced by incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Merz said that the money will be used to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression. The German government has already allocated 4 billion euros ($4.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year. With the new package, the total amount of military support for Ukraine from Germany will reach 7 billion euros ($7.2 billion).
The aid includes three IRIS-T air defense systems, three Skyranger air defense systems, 10 howitzers, surface-to-air missiles, 20 protective vehicles, artillery shells, and drones.
**Germany’s Role in European Security**
Merz’s plan to increase Germany’s defense spending is part of a wider shift in European security policy. The continent is moving to rearm and take on more responsibility for Ukraine’s defense amid changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
The new German government will face opposition from far-right parties, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Left Party (Die Linke), which oppose military aid for Ukraine.
**Ukraine Conflict Update**
Meanwhile, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate. Russian troops attacked a residential area in Kryvyi Rih with ballistic missiles, and there have been reports of Ukrainian soldiers being surrounded by Russian forces. However, these claims are denied by Ukraine’s government.
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed caution about the situation, saying that there is reason to be optimistic but also recognizing the complexity of the issue.
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