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Scholz announces supply of IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine

The German Chancellor recalled that the total amount of Berlin's support to Kiev stood at 37 billion euros

BERLIN, December 20. /TASS/. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced the delivery of another IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine.

Scholz recalled that the total amount of Berlin's support to Kiev stood at 37 billion euros. He added that Ukraine could continue to count on Germany's support.

"What is on the way is another IRIS-T system. I think it will be delivered today. There will be more Gepard self-propelled air defense systems, which we will provide with all the ammunition, the production of which we have resumed," Scholz was quoted as saying by the German government's press service.

At the same time, the German Chancellor reiterated that support for Ukraine should be organized in a way that would not lead to an escalation of the conflict, "to a war between Russia and NATO."

"This is also very clear," Scholz stated.

Germany is the second largest arms supplier to Ukraine after the United States. Berlin has so far allocated funds for military support to Kiev and has committed to future spending of about 28 billion euros. Under the 2025 budget agreement, Germany is to allocate about 4 billion euros for military support for Ukraine, which is half the current year's amount. However, the budget has not yet been approved by the Bundestag.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly said that pumping weapons into Ukraine will not reduce Russia's resolve or change the course of the special military operation.

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