Ukraine invasion ‘threatens our entire post-War order’: German leader said, explaining weapons U-turn
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed parliament in special session to explain decision to reverse years of arms export policies
- German government will supply the Ukrainian armed forces with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles as soon as possible
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed parliament in a special session on Sunday to explain a decision to reverse years of arms export policies, and allow direct weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
The German government decided on Saturday to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles from Bundeswehr stocks as soon as possible. The announcement was immediately welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Scholz said on Saturday that the Russian invasion was a “turning point … It threatens our entire post-War order.”
In addition, Nato partners the Netherlands and Estonia were authorised to deliver weapons to Ukraine that originate from German production or GDR stocks – another step that goes against Germany’s highly restrictive export policy.
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Protests opposing Russian invasion of Ukraine held in cities around the world
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had previously rooted this policy in Germany’s special responsibility for peace in Europe following its World War II history, when the Nazis invaded other European countries.
