Disclaimer: Germany responds to whether it is ready to continue assistance to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Finance of Germany faced criticism after an article appeared in the 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung' about the ministry's refusal to coordinate additional assistance to Ukraine. This caused outrage among politicians and in the economic sphere.

According to Financial Times, the leader of the Free Democratic Party, Christian Lindner, became the subject of criticism even from his colleagues in the coalition. Bloomberg reports, quoting a spokesman for the Ministry of Finance, who stated that Germany is ready to support Ukraine as much as needed. However, the scandal continues.

The chairman of the Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs and representative of the Social Democratic Party, Michael Roth, considers information about the possible suspension of financial assistance as a 'fatal sign'. He emphasizes that in the face of the Ukrainian army's advance, the country particularly needs support from its allies, and any doubts about funding might be seen as Germany's attempt to avoid responsibility.

Politician from the Green Party, Robin Wagener, also expresses concern, arguing that debates on funding could create the impression that the German government is willing to sacrifice peace and freedom to avoid additional debt.

Opposition politicians also criticize this position. Christian Democratic Union representative Roderich Kiesewetter calls it a betrayal of Ukraine, stressing that a country aspiring to leadership in Europe cannot afford such steps.

The market value of German defense companies fell after this news. Shares of the largest arms manufacturer Rheinmetall lost over 5%, and the radar manufacturer Hensoldt for the Iris-T air defense system - 7.6% of its value.

In response to criticism, the German government stated that the information about immediate cessation of aid to Ukraine is false, and discussions on funding are ongoing. Ministry representative Fabian Leber emphasized that Germany stands by Ukraine and will continue support in any necessary quantity.

It is worth recalling that the Bild and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported earlier that the FRG government plans to fulfill current contracts but will not accept new requests from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.