Federal government approves arms exports to Ukraine

Created: 02/26/2022Updated: 02/26/2022, 18:44

Civilians from the Territorial Defense Unit in Kyiv are arming their weapons.

© Mikhail Palinchak/AP/dpa

The delivery of lethal weapons has been taboo for Germany so far.

The Federal Republic is now ending this reluctance in two cases.

Berlin - The federal government has approved the delivery of 400 German-made bazookas to Ukraine by the Netherlands.

The German Press Agency learned from the federal government on Saturday that Estonia will also be approved for the delivery of several artillery pieces from the old GDR stock.

So far, she had rejected all exports of lethal weapons to Ukraine on principle because it is a crisis area.

Ukraine has been demanding the delivery of deadly weapons and other armaments from Germany for months.

So far, the federal government had only promised 5,000 helmets, which were handed over to the Ukrainian armed forces on Saturday.

According to the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, the export of 14 armored vehicles with special protection was also approved for Ukraine on Saturday.

The vehicles were used for personal protection, possibly also for evacuation purposes, it said.

They are to be handed over to Ukrainian authorities.

In addition, up to 10,000 tons of fuel are to be delivered to Ukraine via Poland.

Further support services are currently being examined.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck (both Green) said: "After Russia's shameless attack, Ukraine must be able to defend itself.

She has an inalienable right to self-defense.

The Federal Government is therefore also supporting the Ukraine in providing urgently needed material.” dpa