These figures indicate that Berlin still has not provided heavy weapons to Kiev, and the first deliveries are being made.
Germany is making public for the first-time the numbers and types and military assistance it has delivered to Ukraine.
Released on Tuesday on the German government’s official website, the data is prefaced by a short clarification. It states in the note that both are included on this list. “contributions from the stockpiles of the German military,”Also, weapons that were purchased direct from German producers and paid Berlin for.
The statement also details that in 2022, a total of €2 billion will be earmarked from Germany’s budget for these shipments, and to fund the country’s contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), which is the EU’s “off-budget instrument aimed at enhancing the Union’s ability to prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security.”
The document states that the EPF could be used by EU member countries to reimburse Ukraine for support it has provided.
Berlin supplied Kiev with 3,000 Panzerfaust3 man-portable antitank launchers, 500 US designed Stinger missiles and 2,700 Soviet design Strela antiaircraft missiles. There have also been 100 MG3 machine weapons, 14900 anti-tank mines and 50 rocket-busting rockets that can be used to destroy tanks, as well as 16 million rounds ammunition for light weapons. 100,000 hand grenades were delivered. Germany also provided Ukraine non-lethal military support in the form of 23,000 combat helmets. 178 and 30 unarmored vehicles were delivered, along with first aid kits, medical supplies and spare parts for MiG29 Soviet-designed fighter planes.
Berlin’s list of goods it is about to ship includes a variety of heavy weapons that Kiev long sought from Western allies. In the document, a German official stated that security concerns would prevent them from divulging additional dates and details until these systems are handed over.
Seven self-propelled armored cannons will be shipped to Ukraine, along with 54 US-designed M113 armored personnel vehicles sourced from Denmark. There will also be 30 self-propelled antiaircraft Gepard guns loaded with ammunition and one German-made IRIS T SLM air defense system. Three M270 multi-launch rocket systems (MLRS) are available, as well as missiles, 10,000 artillery shells, radars, and antidrone guns.
Germany, along with a number of other EU member states, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have been providing Ukraine with weapons since the start of Russia’s offensive against the country in late February.
Germany is yet to deliver heavy weapons, as the UK and US have.
The hardware is not yet in Ukraine despite Berlin giving the green light for the shipment of the equipment late April. According to media reports, this delay was caused by a lack of ammunition.
In expressing its frustration and impatience with Germany, the Ukrainian government is voicing more frequently. Andrey Malnik, the Ambassador to Berlin, and Volodymyr Zelensky, President, repeatedly criticised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government and their inability to deliver the weapons promised.
Russia repeatedly denounced the Western allies’ shipment of weapons to Ukraine. They claim that they won’t change the current conflict but only prolong it. Moscow officials warned, however that weapons might end up being used by terrorists or criminals.
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