Fact Check: "Germany is Ukraine's second-largest military backer after the United States."
What We Know
Germany has been a significant military supporter of Ukraine since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. As of April 2025, Germany has provided approximately €38 billion (around $43 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, which includes a variety of military equipment and financial assistance (source-1). This aid has included advanced systems such as the Iris-T SLM air defense system, among other military supplies (source-5).
The Ukraine Support Tracker, a comprehensive database that quantifies military, financial, and humanitarian aid from various countries to Ukraine, indicates that Germany's contributions have been substantial but not the largest in Europe. While Germany has maintained a steady level of support, other countries, particularly the United Kingdom and Nordic nations, have increased their military aid significantly, leading to a shift in the rankings of military support (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that Germany is the second-largest military backer of Ukraine after the United States is partially true. While Germany has indeed provided significant military assistance, recent data indicates that other European nations have stepped up their contributions to a level that may surpass Germany's. For instance, as of April 2025, the total military aid from European countries collectively surpassed that of the United States for the first time since June 2022, with Germany's contributions being described as more moderate compared to its European counterparts (source-3).
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, which manages the Ukraine Support Tracker, notes that while Germany remains a key player in supporting Ukraine, the dynamics of military aid are shifting, with countries like the UK and the Nordics increasing their support more aggressively (source-3). Furthermore, the German defense chief has pledged an additional €10 billion in aid for 2025, which may further solidify Germany's position, but it still reflects a cautious approach compared to other nations (source-7).
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "Germany is Ukraine's second-largest military backer after the United States" is Partially True. While Germany has made substantial contributions to Ukraine's military efforts, the increasing support from other European nations complicates the ranking of military aid. Thus, while Germany is a major backer, it may not hold the second position depending on the timing and context of the aid assessments.
