Report: Russia Cuts 29-Year Defense Pact With Germany
Russia has officially ended its defense cooperation agreement with Germany, bringing nearly three decades of military ties with the NATO member to a close.
Signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the decision comes amid deteriorating ties between Moscow and Berlin, driven by growing geopolitical tensions and what Russia calls Germany’s “unreasonable policy ambitions” that threaten its vital security interests.
The bilateral cooperation, established in 1996 under the Kremlin’s Federal Law on International Treaties, carried a five-year term and was automatically renewed unless either party chose to withdraw.
In an earlier statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted its defense partnership with Germany “no longer makes sense,” claiming it no longer reflects the current state of bilateral relations.
Moscow cited the “openly hostile policy of authorities” in Germany as well as its “increasingly aggressive military plans” as key reasons for the termination.
Germany’s Support to Ukraine
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “military operation” in Ukraine in 2022, Germany has emerged as a key ally of Kyiv, providing advanced weapons, financial assistance, and political backing as part of broader NATO and EU efforts to counter Moscow’s aggression.
In March, Berlin approved roughly $3.25 billion in fresh military aid for Ukraine, earmarked for ammunition, unmanned aerial systems, armored vehicles, and air defense systems.
The German government then pledged an additional $5.4-billion package in May, followed by another $2 billion in June.
To date, Berlin has committed or delivered over $30 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including long-term pledges extending through 2028–2029.
