German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius commented on a new military aid package for Ukraine in an interview with BILD.

It is noted that the politician is ill with coronavirus, so he cannot attend the meeting in Ramstein, but will send his representatives.

According to Pistorius, Germany’s assistance is multilevel, and in addition to extensive support with weapons and materials, Germany trains the Ukrainian military.

He said there would be 10,000 by the end of the year, and the Ramstein meeting would consider providing even more training support.

The German Defense Minister said that the cost of the new aid package would be €400 million.

“We supply additional ammunition: explosive ammunition, mortar ammunition, mortar rockets. Because ammunition is what Ukraine needs most urgently in its defense struggle against a brutal aggressive war. In addition, we will help with protected vehicles and mine clearance systems. But we also do not forget about the approaching winter: We will send not only clothing, but also electric and heat generators,” Pistorius said.

When asked by journalists about the provision of TAURUS cruise missiles, he replied that the German government had not yet decided on the issue as there were many political, legal, military and technical aspects.

He was asked whether Germany was afraid that the missiles would be used to attack targets in Russia.

“There are procedures for this. We regulate, on a contractual basis with the Ukrainians, how the supplied weapons systems are used,” the minister replied.

It is also reported that Germany does not yet plan to join the training of Ukrainian pilots, instead focusing on artillery, air defense, armored fighting vehicles, ammunition, clothing and heaters.

Pistorius believes that it is his duty to support Ukraine as best he can and for as long as necessary.

“Ukraine is not only defending its territory. It is fighting for more: for the fact that authoritarian states cannot simply invade the country, kill people and establish new borders. So this war is not just about Ukraine. It is, in fact, a war for freedom. It’s about freedom all over the world. And therefore, it is also about our freedom in Germany,” the minister said.

When asked whether Germany was preparing for a long war, he said that Moscow could end the war quickly. All the Kremlin would have to do was to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

Militarnyi earlier reported that Germany handed over the Marder infantry fighting vehicles and other equipment.