There is a widespread opinion in Germany that the Germans have already done almost too much to help Ukraine.
"The Germans today are being convinced that they have already done almost too much for us. This narrative is already being quietly planted everywhere in Germany," Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
He explained that earlier, almost every week, the topic of Ukraine and the war was, if not on the front page, then it was mainstream in the main German magazines - Spiegel, Stern, Focus.
"And since February, that is, in fact, two months, everything, unfortunately, is gradually changing. The same applies to Germany's five main political talk shows - Anne Will, Maischberger, Maybrit Illner, Markus Lanz, and Hart aber Fair. Instead of discussing aircraft for the Ukrainian Air Force, about additional tanks, now the focus is on such issues as the threat of a banking crisis, climate change, the cost of homeowners for energy rehabilitation," the Deputy Foreign Minister said.
According to Melnyk, this situation benefits the federal government since public pressure has practically disappeared.
“Of course, more than 3 billion euros for weapons that Germany gave us over thirteen months of the war is really cool, we are grateful for this support. But let's be honest: this is clearly not enough. We have a gap both in the Bundeswehr itself and in German industry, which, thank God, is starting to get the green light," the official added.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Bundeswehr was armed with 328 Leopard 2 tanks, of which 18 were transferred to Ukraine - about 6%. Berlin also transferred 5% of the stocks of its BMP Marder.
“In addition, the German army has about 600 Fuchs armored personnel carriers. This is a very effective armored vehicle, which today we would desperately need to transport troops to the front line safely, and most importantly, to prepare a major counter-offensive. Unfortunately, we still have not received a single such armored personnel carrier," the diplomat stressed.
In addition, the Bundeswehr has a tracked armored fighting vehicle for the Wiesel airborne troops. Despite the fact that they are 20-30 years old, these are very effective weapons.
“These are the things that the Germans can do today with a wave of a pen. Minister Pistorius made a decision, quickly prepared the crews, and in a month and a half, these vehicles will help protect Bakhmut and other Ukrainian cities,†Melnyk said.
