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Germany must mobilize additional capabilities to support Ukraine — Vice Chancellor

Robert Habeck expressed the opinion that the majority of German residents consider it correct to provide support to Ukraine

BERLIN, March 29. /TASS/. Vice-Chancellor, Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection of Germany Robert Habeck believes that Germany should mobilize additional opportunities to support Ukraine.

"After the US, Germany is the largest donor in absolute numbers. But we also see that the willingness to support [Kiev] in the US and Europe is not increasing. For me, this means that Germany must mobilize additional capabilities," Habeck said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

"Germany and other countries must say: what can be done must be done now," he added.

The minister expressed the opinion that the majority of German residents consider it correct to provide support to Ukraine.

"We, Germany and Europe, are personally interested in Ukraine fighting this war so that Russia cannot continue it. Germany pays a lot, and other Europeans should also contribute," the vice-chancellor said.

Speaking about possible deliveries of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, Habeck noted that the final decision is made by the Federal Security Council, and unanimity is required there.

"If it's missing, we won't be able to deliver [missiles]," he explained.

"By the way, I believe that comprehensive and careful consideration of what the chancellor considers necessary for himself is absolutely correct, although sometimes I come to different conclusions," the minister went on.

But as a result of such reflection, in his opinion, a readiness for leadership should arise. "And I can clearly see this in the government. The fact that we disagree on the Taurus issue should not obscure the fact that we agree on many other issues," he concluded, adding that Germany supports Ukraine not only out of solidarity, but also out of their own interests.

Germany is the second largest supplier of arms to Ukraine after the United States. In total, Germany has so far allocated funds for military support to Kiev or provided commitments for future expenses in the amount of approximately 28 billion euros. The Russian side has repeatedly stressed that arms supplies to Kiev will only prolong the conflict in Ukraine.

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Ukraine crisis Germany

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