Scholz is blocking a new aid package for Ukraine worth nearly €3 billion, according to media reports.

The publication Spiegel reports, as conveyed by Deutsche Welle.

It is noted that this arms package included three batteries of the IRIS-T air defense system with munitions, missiles for the Patriot air defense system, ten wheeled howitzers, and artillery ammunition.

Pistorius and Baerbock justified the need for additional assistance to Ukraine by stating that the urgent needs of Kyiv cannot be anticipated through prior planning, as the situation at the front has significantly worsened.

However, sources from Spiegel assert that Scholz, as a candidate for chancellor, does not want to announce further arms supplies to Ukraine in the midst of the election campaign to avoid alienating potential voters.

At the same time, Spiegel continues, Scholz's team does not see a necessity for immediate assistance to Ukraine. They believe that the 4 billion euros allocated for military aid to Ukraine in 2025 will be sufficient.

Political Crisis in Germany

On December 16, the Bundestag declared a vote of no confidence in Olaf Scholz's government.

Thus, the sitting chancellor brought the question of a confidence vote for his government after the collapse of the "traffic light coalition". In a named vote, the majority of deputies expressed their lack of confidence in him.

Following this, the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, announced the dissolution of parliament and the holding of early elections, which will take place on February 23. Until then, Scholz will remain the interim leader until a new government is formed.