At a time when diplomatic channels are working flat out to set the right course for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, we must not lose sight of an uncomfortable truth: Putin continues to seek to undermine European and Euro-Atlantic security. He wants to test our readiness to defend ourselves. He wants to divide us in order to weaken our Alliance.

But he will not succeed.

Putin started the war in Ukraine – and he can end it at any time. He has not yet shown any real willingness to negotiate. That is why we are maintaining pressure on Russia, and, as Allies in NATO, intend to increase it further. To this end, Germany will procure a further 200 million US dollars’ worth of defence equipment for Ukraine, delivered in two packages under the PURL mechanism. We will also contribute an additional 25 million euros to the Comprehensive Assistance Package under the NATO Trust Fund to ensure that Ukrainian servicemen and -women receive the winter equipment and medical support they need, especially now, with ice and snow at the frontline.

The message we are sending as an Alliance is unequivocal: We are capable of taking action, we are strong, and we are ready to defend what unites us – our security, our freedom and the peaceful order in Europe. That is why it was so important that, at the NATO Summit in The Hague this summer, we agreed as NATO Allies to send a clear and powerful message: we are committed to the five‑percent target. Germany fully accepts its responsibility; we are delivering our part of fair burden-sharing.

The threat landscape leaves us no alternative: we are investing significantly more in our security to deter any aggression against NATO. Whether it be drones, disinformation, sabotage or cyber attacks targeting our democracy and our every-day life – as Allies, we are responding jointly and with the right instruments.