[News] Germany finally agrees to send weapons directly to Ukraine

[luminox™-]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany would send weapons directly to Ukraine. He said Germany would send 1,000 anti-tank guns and 500 Stinger missiles. "Russia's invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point in history. It threatens our entire postwar order," Chancellor Olaf Scholz said as his government approved the shipment of large quantities of lethal weapons to Keiv.

 

"In this situation, it is our duty to support Ukraine to the best of our ability in its defense against the invading army of (Russian President) Vladimir Putin," Scholz said, stressing that Germany was "standing closely by Ukraine's side". In a shift from a longstanding policy of banning arms exports to conflict zones, Berlin opened its Bundeswehr, and pledged to send 1,000 anti-tank guns and 500 "Stinger" class surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. Germany also finally approved the delivery of 400 anti-tank rocket launchers via the Netherlands to Ukraine on Saturday (26/2/2022). Berlin has also lifted some restrictions on shipments of German-made weapons to conflict zones. This means third countries will be able to send more weapons to Ukraine.

 

In addition to the weapons, 14 armored vehicles will be handed over to Ukraine, and "will serve for personnel protection, possibly for evacuation purposes", a government source said. Up to 10,000 tonnes of fuel will also be delivered via Poland to Ukraine, the source said, adding that "other possible support services are now being examined". Welcoming the decision, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted: "Keep going, Chancellor Olaf Scholz!"

 

At the same time, German ministers said they were working to limit Russia's access to Swift's global interbank payment system in a "targeted" way, which "hit the right people" and avoids additional damage. Germany's three-party coalition government, made up of socialists, liberals and Greens, faces challenges in formulating a coherent response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But there is now a realization that Germany may have to rely not only on trade and diplomacy for its security, but also on military might. Public figures who in the past have expressed sympathy for Moscow have now either kept silent or accused Russia of being wrong.

 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tweeted: "Our world is different after Putin's war of aggression. While we are shocked by this violation of international law, we are not helpless. "That is why we will help Ukrainian soldiers fight for their country with anti-tank weapons. and Stinger missiles." Germany was appalled by Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine and demanded their government take tougher action against the Kremlin.

 

https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2022/02/27/083000770/jerman-akhirnya-setuju-kirim-senjata-langsung-ke-ukraina