Germany's budget crisis will not impact aid for Ukraine

Despite the budget crisis facing the German government, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has sought to assure Ukraine of continued support in its fight against Russia's ongoing invasion, reported dpa.

Germany will continue backing Ukraine financially and with weapons deliveries, Scholz said on Saturday at a conference of his Social Democratic Party in Berlin.

He said that Germany must remain in a position to continue its support for Ukraine, and even increase aid if necessary. The government will make decisions "that will keep us in a position to continue doing so."

Russian President Vladimir Putin "should not and must not" expect Germany to reduce aid to Ukraine, Scholz said.

By overall value, Germany has been the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine behind the United States, including main battle tanks, heavy artillery and air defence systems.