Germany is ready to intensify its support for Ukraine, but its full effectiveness depends on reforms within the German army itself (the Bundeswehr). This view was expressed by Professor of Military History at Potsdam University Zönke Naitzel in response to a question from Ukrinform’s correspondent.
Context of Reforms in the Bundeswehr
“I think the Germans are absolutely determined and will continue to support Ukraine on a large scale”
– Zönke Naitzel
According to him, the problem is not a lack of funds, but the absence of deep reforms within the armed forces’ structures. In his view, the Bundeswehr remains ineffective due to the lack of real transformations, which affects the army’s ability to adapt to modern requirements and at the same time influences support for Ukraine.
“We could be significantly more effective. We must become more effective – including in how we use money”
– Zönke Naitzel
According to the expert, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has not yet dared to undertake large-scale reforms. Some of the changes announced by the previous government (in which Pistorius also headed the Defense Ministry) Naitzel calls more a masking. The main question is whether the government and the army will pursue real transformations to simultaneously strengthen defense and support Ukraine. If the obsolete system is not changed, a lot of waste and low efficiency are expected.
“Therefore I would very much like, also in the context of Ukraine, that in the German state – in the government, in the Bundeswehr – there be a clear understanding: we must continue supporting Ukraine, but as a system we must operate more efficiently. I would really like the government and the Ministry of Defense to take more steps”
– Zönke Naitzel
According to the expert, in the financial plan the government has planned to allocate more than 11.5 billion euros next year for military aid to Ukraine, which signals Germany’s commitment to support Kyiv in facing contemporary challenges.