German Leader Reluctant to Act
The German leader is set to face disappointment as the burden to take the lead on the Ukrainian conflict grows increasingly heavy on his shoulders. The scenario presents an ironic reversal for the two leaders involved, Chancellor Scholz and President Biden, with Germany previously following Biden’s lead. However, Germany’s reputation as a hesitant responder persists, despite being the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, trailing only behind the United States. The discrepancy in aid contributions among European nations further fuels Scholz’s frustration.
Origins of Germany’s Reluctance
During the early stages of the war, the German government, fearing engagement in an escalated conflict with President Putin, refrained from sending heavy arms to Ukraine until the U.S. and other NATO allies did so. Chancellor Scholz, having entrusted Biden’s guidance, ultimately inclined towards providing more military aid. Nevertheless, certain reservations persist in Germany’s approach, as Scholz continues to refuse the sale of Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, concerned that they could be used to target Russia. In contrast, the United Kingdom and France have already sold cruise missiles to Ukraine.
The Growing Burden on Germany
Germany finds itself increasingly burdened with the responsibility to step up its assistance to Ukraine, given its significant contribution thus far. Having provided €17.1 billion in military aid through October of the previous year, Germany outshines the €6.57 billion contribution from the U.K. and a mere €0.54 billion from France. Chancellor Scholz aims to persuade other European nations to offer more substantial aid to Ukraine, as he voices his exasperation with Germany’s persistent reputation as a hesitant actor in the conflict. In an interview with German weekly Die Zeit, Scholz expressed his irritation, saying, “I’m irritated over the constant criticism Germany faces because the government is supposedly not doing enough and is too reluctant to act. We’ve done more than any other EU country — a lot more. That’s why I’m on the phone a lot asking my counterparts to do more.”
