Topline
Germany approved a transfer of lethal weapons to Ukraine on Saturday to aid the country’s embattled military against the Russian invasion, Reuters and Politico report, marking a significant shift in Germany’s longstanding policy of not providing allies with lethal weapons that could make its way to a conflict zone.
Ukrainian servicemen ride on a tank towards the front line with Russian forces in the Lugansk region … [+]
Key Facts
Germany authorized the Netherlands to send 400 rocket-propelled grenade launchers to Ukraine, Politico and Reuters report, citing multiple anonymous European Union officials.
The move comes amid pressure from other EU and NATO allies who are sending guns, ammunition and other military aid to bolster Ukraine’s defenses as Russian forces close in on major Ukrainian cities.
In recent weeks and as recently as Friday, German officials defended the country’s policy preventing the transfer of lethal weapons, which was aimed at finding other ways to secure peace across the continent.
The shift could lead to an increase in weapons transfers to Ukraine, as many of Europe’s weapons are in-part manufactured by Germany, giving the country legal control over transfers to third parties, Politico reports.
Key Background
Germany’s longstanding policy on blocking weapons transfers to conflict zones, which is rooted in a desire to make up for the destruction wrought by the country in World War II, has drawn criticism from Ukraine and some EU countries. Germany last month withheld approval from Estonia to transfer German-made artillery to Ukraine. Estonia purchased the weapons from Finland, but Germany also had a say because it sold the weapons to Finland. In response, Germany offered to donate 5,000 helmets and a field hospital to Ukraine, which provoked outrage from other EU countries, and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko called the offer a “joke.”
Crucial Quote
“The problem in Europe is that a lot of it is supplied by German manufacturers, and Germany so far is withholding consent,” an anonymous official from a western E.U. country told Politico. “That instantly limits the available stores in Europe.”
Tangent
The U.S. also ramped up its military assistance Friday evening, authorizing up to $350 million in additional aid to support Ukraine’s defense. The U.S. has committed over $1 billion in security assistance in the past year, according to a statement from the State Department. The Netherlands said it would send 200 air defense rockets to Ukraine, and Belgium announced it would supply Ukraine with 2,000 machine guns and thousands of tons in fuel.
Further Reading
Germany OKs weapons for Ukraine in major shift on military aid (Politico)
Live: Russia Has Sent Over 50% Of Invasion Force Into Ukraine—But Frustrated By Stiff Resistance, U.S. Says (Forbes)
Germany cannot supply Ukraine weapons due to WW2 past (Reuters)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/annakaplan/2022/02/26/germany-reportedly-approves-weapons-transfer-to-ukraine-in-reversal-of-longtime-stance-on-lethal-military-aid/