Germany can take ‘special responsibility’ for arming Ukraine – Scholz — RT Russia and the former Soviet Union

Berlin can assume « special responsibility » to help kyiv acquire the artillery and air defenses needed in the conflict with Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

Germany and many other Western countries armed Ukraine after the Russian military operation launched in the neighboring state in late February.

The EU should organize « a long-term and reliable division of labor between all partners of Ukraine », Scholz said Monday in a speech at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.

« I can, for example, imagine that Germany will take on a special responsibility in terms of strengthening Ukraine’s artillery and air defense capabilities. »

Scholz said Germany would supply Ukraine « advanced new weapons, such as air defense and radar systems, and reconnaissance drones. »

« Our goal is a modern Ukrainian army capable of permanently defending its country, » he added. added the Chancellor.

Germany was previously reluctant to send weapons to conflict zones, mainly for historical reasons dating back to World War II. However, Berlin has recently « has undergone a fundamental reversal on this issue », Scholz said, adding that Germany « keep supporting [Ukraine]reliably and, above all, for as long as it takes.

The German government announced last week that it would supply Kyiv with an additional 500 million euros ($499.6 million) worth of weapons. Berlin has previously delivered Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems, Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers and Gepard anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, among other weapons.

EU defense ministers are expected to discuss further military aid to Ukraine at an informal two-day meeting in Prague, which started on Monday.

The Kremlin warned that « flood » Ukraine with foreign weapons will exacerbate the conflict, but have no impact on the outcome.

You can share this story on social media:

Follow RT on