Tanks for Ukraine: How Germany's position has changed since the beginning of the war | DW News

The German government on Tuesday confirmed reports that it will approve a delivery of "Gepard" anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine. German Defense Minister Christina Lambrecht announced the move during opening remarks at the Ramstein air base in Germany, coming at the start of a US-hosted defense conference on Ukraine.

Lambrecht also said that Berlin was working to train Ukrainian soldiers on German soil. "We are working together with our American friends in training Ukrainian troops on artillery systems on German soil," the minister said.

In recent weeks, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has come under increasing pressure for refusing to ship heavy weapons directly to Ukraine. Critics say his center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are too reluctant to stray from their historic policy of detente toward Moscow.

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[ukpaul]

For the first time in my long life (born a year after WW2) I hope that Germany is working hard to replace the heavy armaments it is sending to Ukraine. I was clearly moved to see Germany sending heavy equipment to Ukraine. I applaud it and hope that it does not make them vulnerable. I'm not a warmonger - quite the opposite - but this obscene incursion needs to be stopped and repulsed. As a UK citizen - Es lebe Deutschland and Slava Ukraine.

[mickheaton]

As far as the comment about Germany not having enough equipment if Putin loses his mind... That is where being part of NATO comes in. It's easy enough for NATO to scramble enough airpower to establish air superiority on short order to give enough time for a troop build up to occur. There is not a NATO member who would not have their airspace secured in the blink of an eye, especially one in Europe.

[bradhombre]

A strong leader can change course after he's made a mistake. A weak, foolish leader is one who doubles down on an obvious mistake because he's too afraid to admit he was wrong.

[ForOurGood]

I was one who never bashed Germany on how they handled this, and they have my total respect for coming to what surely is a very difficult decision for them. But it is the right decision, and I for one believe in the good of the german people, and the right they worked so hard for to participate shoulder to shoulder in making the free world more secure. Thank you Germany!!

[JohnnyWitney]

Its in Germany's national interest to see that Ukraine does not fall. That would have dangerous possibilities for Germany and Europe. For an American/ British dual national with strong German heritage on my Father's side i want nothing but the best for Germany and its citizens.

[bertjilk]

The comment about 'Germany not having enough weapons' misses the point. If Russia is defeated in Ukraine, there won't be a significant threat to Germany for quite some time. That's why supporting Ukraine is so important.

[Zdobywczy]

Better late than never.

This help is really needed. I hope Scholz won't postpone anything anymore.

Thanks Germany.

[kamildziedzic]

"Not sure if sending weapons is going to stop the war."
Well, yeah! We don't want to stop the war. We want to defend Ukraine!

[hiigara]

Some folks can remember when Russia's borders ended in Germany. I can't i was born in a time of peace. This is all so sad

[TimboTbagz]

Good to have you guys back, the time is right! 🇬🇧🇩🇪

[INFJ]

🇺🇲 excellent point Mr. Austin. At the "speed of war", 🇺🇦 is the buffer zone
for Europe, all of it's territory must be
preserved.

[jamesjackovich]

The EU must be unified and every nation should be contributing not just when it concerns economic gains

[TrickyNeverLaughs]

As a wise man from Asia, I know Russia is losing bigtime. No nation can prosper in isolation. A beautiful democratic Ukraine inspire and unite nations. Asia stands with Ukraine. Slava Ukraine, glory to the defenders.

[YaMumsSpecialFriend]

Lavrov needs to meet the same end as Ribbentrop and Putin needs to be given one of his own, infamous, ‘hot’ cups of tea.

[teebosaurusyou]

Monthly meetings is a joke. Meetings should be every few days based upon this situation.

[berserker]

Why isn't there a German as the news anchor?

[iceshakle]

Those anti-aircraft tanks look brutal.

[CJendaOfficial.]

Germany needs to get over feeling guilty, we know they are not like that now. We need them to get their heads straight and help us to defeat Putin!
Slava Ukraini! 💙💛

[marilenaganea]

Sleeping beauty (Germany) just woke up.
I thought my government is useless but I'm happy to see German government is even worse

[PuddingXXL]

I love the moderator and his smooth style of commenting.
Really engaging!