Germany Expands Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Surging Russian Casualties and Renewed Attacks

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv this week to reaffirm Germany’s military support for Ukraine and unveiled a new aid package valued at €1.9 billion. This brings Germany’s total military assistance for 2025 to an estimated €9 billion, contingent on Bundestag approval.

During a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pistorius highlighted that the additional funds would be directed toward precision-guided missiles, drones, and high-range weapon systems. The two nations also announced plans to co-develop such systems on Ukrainian soil, with production expected to begin within months.

The joint initiative aims to fuse German funding with Ukraine’s combat-tested technologies. Zelenskyy pointed out that Ukraine’s defense industry still has untapped potential, while Germany views the cooperation as an opportunity for technological gains that could benefit the Bundeswehr in the long term.

Despite persistent calls from Ukrainian officials, Germany has ruled out the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles, with Pistorius stating clearly: “We are not considering that.”

Russia’s Casualties Reach a Staggering One Million

According to recent UK and Ukrainian intelligence reports, Russia has suffered approximately one million casualties—killed or wounded—since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The UK Ministry of Defence estimates that 250,000 Russian troops have either been killed or remain unaccounted for and presumed dead.

In 2025 alone, Russian forces are estimated to have lost over 200,000 personnel, with Ukraine’s military reporting an average of 1,250 Russian casualties per day. These numbers mark the highest battlefield losses for Russia since World War II.

The UK briefing suggests that Russia is continuing to apply pressure through overwhelming force, despite the toll. Russian military strategy still appears to favor mass attacks designed to stretch Ukrainian defenses, especially in key regions such as Kharkiv.

Civilians Injured in Heavy Russian Strikes on Kharkiv

In recent days, the Kharkiv region has been subjected to another intense wave of Russian drone and glide bomb assaults. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that 15 people were injured in the latest attacks, including four children. Civilian infrastructure sustained significant damage, including schools, residential buildings, and vehicles.

Across the Kharkiv region, 11 apartment blocks and two educational institutions were hit, underlining the continued vulnerability of Ukrainian cities near the Russian border. Similar attacks were reported in southern Ukraine, including fires in warehouses in the Odessa region.

Despite the relentless aerial bombardment, local resilience remains strong. DW correspondents on the ground describe scenes of civilians returning to cafes and daily life just hours after overnight attacks. However, the strain on Ukraine’s defenders is growing. Military ombudsmen have voiced concerns about soldier exhaustion and prolonged separation from families.

Ukraine Hits Military Electronics Facility Near Moscow

Ukraine’s armed forces claimed responsibility for a successful drone strike on the Rezonit factory in Russia’s Moscow region, a facility known for producing electronics for advanced weaponry. Explosions were recorded at the site, which marks another instance of Ukraine’s deep-reaching drone capabilities.

This is part of an evolving pattern of Ukrainian strikes within Russian territory, defying Moscow’s expectation of immunity from such attacks. Previous assaults on Russian airbases have demonstrated Ukraine’s capacity to adapt its warfare methods through unconventional means.

Diplomatic Debate Intensifies Within Germany

Germany’s steadfast stance on Ukraine remains politically contentious. SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil has publicly distanced himself from a group of fellow Social Democrats who recently called for a new diplomatic direction with Russia. Klingbeil reaffirmed that military support for Ukraine would not be scaled back under his leadership.

The “manifesto,” as it has been dubbed, argues for renewed diplomacy and criticizes the idea of arming Ukraine as a path to negotiations. However, key figures within the SPD, including Klingbeil and Pistorius, have rejected this view. Both maintain that support for Ukraine and engagement in diplomacy are not mutually exclusive.

Former SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans defended the manifesto, warning against what he called a “frenzy of armament,” but acknowledged that diplomacy alone cannot deter a belligerent Kremlin. CDU foreign affairs spokesperson Johann Wadephul also emphasized that Russia currently shows no readiness for genuine talks.

EU and G7 Strengthen Economic Measures Against Russia

At a recent foreign ministers’ summit in Rome, leaders from several EU states announced further sanctions targeting Russia’s economic lifelines. The measures include reduced price caps on Russian oil—possibly lowering the limit from $60 to $45 per barrel—and new tariffs on agricultural and chemical imports such as sugar, vinegar, and fertilizer.

These actions aim to deplete the financial resources enabling Russia’s war efforts. EU member states agreed to retain frozen Russian assets until Moscow agrees to halt hostilities and compensate Ukraine for wartime destruction.

U.S. Echoes Call for Peace on Russia Day

In a symbolic gesture on Russia’s national holiday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement supporting peace talks and a more stable bilateral relationship. He reaffirmed Washington’s support for the Russian people and expressed hope for a future of mutual cooperation. However, Rubio’s message was clear in its alignment with a peace based on Ukrainian sovereignty and security.

While prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine continue sporadically, there remains little substantive progress toward a ceasefire or formal negotiations.

Military Strategy Shifting Toward Electromagnetic Warfare

As the war evolves, both sides are increasingly investing in electromagnetic warfare. Pistorius emphasized the growing relevance of communication systems, electronic interference, and drone defense. These emerging forms of combat have begun to overshadow traditional reliance on tanks and jets.

Germany and the UK are collaborating on bolstering Ukraine’s air defense infrastructure as U.S. support becomes less predictable. Pistorius has called for an international coalition to secure and upgrade Ukraine’s electromagnetic combat capabilities, making them a new frontier in this long war.