The chapter on German arms for Ukraine will not go down as the most glorious in the history of diplomacy. It was only when the Russian tanks were approaching Kyiv that the German government decided to jump to the side of the attacked state. Just before the Russian troops marched in, Chancellor Olaf Scholz repeated the mantra of German foreign policy: “No deliveries to crisis areas.” 5000 rather embarrassing helmets and other idleness in Germany was followed by a turnaround – and then many millions.
Armaments worth 186 million euros were approved by Robert Habeck’s Economics Ministry for Ukraine in March alone. Only the NATO partners Netherlands and Great Britain have received more weapons from Germany. Compared to the USA, the sum seems (still) modest. Joe Biden has pledged weapons aid to Ukraine worth more than two billion euros. Stinger anti-aircraft systems, Javelin anti-tank missiles, grenade launchers, rifles and more than 20 million rounds of ammunition will be supplied. Many states such as Italy, Israel, France and the Baltic states are also arming Ukraine, mostly with defensive weapons. Britain has promised to supply Starstreak missiles. The supersonic projectile just barely passes as a defensive weapon.
Arms for Ukraine worth 300 million
The Bundeswehr, on the other hand, sends rather old equipment to Eastern Europe. Howitzers from the stocks of the National People’s Army, which has been defunct for 32 years. According to the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Eberhard Zorn, Germany’s hesitant attitude also has something to do with the fact that the Bundeswehr “can only deliver manageable quantities because the depots are by no means full.” The Berlin government has a list of weapons and armaments that can be delivered at short notice, which is worth around 300 million euros.
After the suspected war crimes in Butscha became known, the government in Berlin announced further arms deliveries. It is unclear which and how many that will be. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht justified the extensive secrecy with corresponding requests from the Ukrainian side. “If we don’t talk publicly about the type and number of weapons supplied, then there’s a good reason: Ukraine specifically asked for it. And we’re sticking to it,” said the SPD politician.
Swell: DPA, AFP, , ,
Source: Stern
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