Concerns are mounting over the adequacy of financial support for Ukraine, prompting a call for increased budgetary consideration of Defence Minister Boris Pistorius’ requests. Jürgen Hardt, a leading figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) responsible for foreign policy, expressed his concerns regarding the current level of funding, stating that Pistorius’ budget proposals for 2026 require serious attention.
The call comes after Bundesfinanzminister Lars Klingbeil (Social Democratic Party – SPD) reportedly rejected Pistorius’ requests for increased financial allocations towards military aid for Ukraine, citing budgetary constraints. Hardt’s statement to the “Rheinische Post” highlighted a perceived deterioration in the security landscape since Chancellor Scholz’s ” Zeitenwende” speech in 2022 and subsequent decisions regarding special funds.
Recent incidents, including the repeated incursions of Russian drones over Polish and Romanian airspace – both NATO members – have intensified worries. Hardt cautioned that Russia’s actions mirror patterns observed in previous conflicts in Ukraine and Georgia, characterized by continuous boundary testing and transgressions in the absence of effective responses. He warned that inaction can be interpreted as weakness, potentially escalating the risk of conflict.
Describing the Putin regime as an “escalation logic”-driven de facto military junta, Hardt emphasized that a robust deterrence posture in Ukraine remains the best guarantee of navigating the current precarious phase of European security and ensuring a peaceful resolution. He argued that maintaining a high level of readiness is crucial for stability and preventing further escalation.