February 26, 2022, 12:02pm
Germany approved a transfer of lethal weapons to Ukraine on Saturday to aid the country's military against the Russian invasion, marking a significant shift in Germany's longstanding policy of not providing allies with lethal weapons that could make its way to them.
Ukrainian servicemen ride on a tank towards the front line with Russian forces. ANATOLII STEPANOV is pictured.
According to multiple anonymous European Union officials, Germany authorized the Netherlands to send 400 rocket-propelled grenade launchers to Ukraine.
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.
German officials have defended the country's policy of preventing the transfer of lethal weapons in recent weeks and as recently as Friday.
Many of Europe's weapons are in part manufactured by Germany, giving the country legal control over transfers to third parties.
Germany's longstanding policy of blocking weapons transfers to conflict zones has drawn criticism from Ukraine and some EU countries. The transfer of German-made artillery to Ukraine was held up by Germany. Germany sold the weapons to Finland, so it had a say in the purchase. In response, Germany offered to donate 5,000 helmets and a field hospital to Ukraine, which provoked outrage from other EU countries, and the mayor of Kyiv called the offer a joke.
The problem in Europe is that a lot of it is supplied by German manufacturers, and Germany is withholding consent, according to an anonymous official from a western E.U. country.
The U.S. increased its military assistance Friday evening, authorizing up to $350 million in additional aid to support Ukraine's defense. The US has given 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, while Belgium said it would give Ukraine 2,000 machine guns and thousands of tons of fuel.
Germany gives weapons to Ukraine in a major shift of military aid.
According toForbes, Russia has sent over 50% of the invasion force into Ukraine.
Due to the WW2 past, Germany cannot supply weapons to Ukraine.
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