Germany is now delivering arms to Ukraine after all. The federal government had decided to deliver 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 “Stinger” surface-to-air missiles from Bundeswehr stocks, said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit on Saturday evening. “The weapons will be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible.”
So far, the federal government had refused to deliver weapons to Kiev. “The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. It threatens our entire post-war order,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). “In this situation, it is our duty to do our best to support Ukraine in its defense against the invading army of Vladimir Putin. Germany stands close to Ukraine.”
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According to information from the Tagesspiegel, the Federal Chancellery, Foreign Office, Economics and Defense Ministries coordinated on this issue on Saturday.
With the decision, the federal government is making a U-turn. Ukraine had been asking for the delivery of defensive weapons for a long time, but the federal government had repeatedly refused, most recently on Thursday. So far, Germany had only promised 5,000 helmets. They were handed over to the Ukrainian armed forces on Saturday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his delight at the announcement. “Germany has just announced the delivery of anti-tank grenade launchers and Stinger missiles to Ukraine. Keep it up, Chancellor Olaf Scholz,” Zelenskyj wrote on Twitter on Saturday evening. “The Anti-War Coalition Acts!”
The Ukrainian ambassador in Berlin even acknowledged the government’s decision as a historic step. “We are glad that Germany has finally made this 180 degree turnaround,” said Ambassador Andrij Melnyk of the German Press Agency. “I have always told my German friends and the federal government that they will not be able to endure the terrible images of the war in Ukraine for long without reacting and changing course.”
For a long time he was “not taken seriously” with his warnings. “The Germans have finally woken up and started to act properly.” Melnyk hopes that it’s not too late now. “Now it is important to deliver the German weapon systems to the Ukrainian defenders as quickly as possible.” Ukraine is also hoping for further armament aid from Germany. “This war could go on for a long time. We all need staying power,” said Melnyk.
He also wants more economic help from Germany. “We also need a comprehensive economic rescue plan for Ukraine immediately, in which Germany should play a leading role.”
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On Saturday, the federal government also gave two EU countries the green light to supply German-made weapons: it authorized the Netherlands to supply 400 German-made bazookas to Ukraine. This was confirmed to the daily mirror from government circles. In such cases, the state concerned needs the green light from Germany.
Estonia may transfer nine artillery pieces and ammunition to Ukraine. There are nine howitzers that come from the stocks of the National People’s Army (NVA) of the GDR. The federal government had not approved a corresponding application from Estonia in the past few weeks.
In addition, the federal government approved the delivery of 14 armored vehicles from Germany to Ukraine on Saturday. These would be used for personal protection and, if necessary, for evacuations. In addition, “up to 10,000 tons of fuel” are to be delivered to Ukraine via Poland.
“After Russia’s shameless attack, Ukraine must be able to defend itself,” declared Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (both Green). (with dpa)
