German lawmakers on Thursday voted to send “heavy weapons and sophisticated equipment” to Ukraine just a week after claiming its weapons stockpile was depleted. The vote in the lower house of parliament marks a complete reversal of the stance after passing with 586 votes in favor, 100 against and seven abstentions, according to the German news agency DW. Members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces are examining new armaments, including NLAW anti-tank systems and other portable anti-tank grenade launchers, in Kyiv on March 9, 2022, amid Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine. (GENYA SAVILOV / AFP via Getty Images) TREVOR REED LANDS IN US AFTER EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS WITH RUSSIA Germany has been criticized for its reservations about sending significant defense support to Ukraine, sending 5,000 helmets before the invasion. Just last week, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock claimed that Berlin’s armed services had said it “could no longer supply weapons from its own reserves”. Instead, the German leadership pledged to provide training, spare parts for machinery and to facilitate the continued supply of weapons to other allies. But now Germany will look to send anti-aircraft systems and armored vehicles, as Russia tries to step up its attack not only on Ukraine, but signals that it may launch a campaign in neighboring Moldova. German lawmakers also approved the deployment of heavy weapons and troops to NATO nations in the Eastern bloc. Ukrainian troops board an armored combat vehicle on Tuesday as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues at an unknown location in eastern Ukraine. (Press Service of the Ukrainian Land Forces / Bulletin via REUTERS) GERMANY TO APPROVE SHIPPING WITH TANK TO UKRAINE, AT INTERNATIONAL PRESSURES Some lawmakers, including members of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, voted against the measure amid concerns it could be interpreted as a declaration of war by Russia. Likewise, members of the Socialist Left Party reportedly pointed to comments made by Chancellor Olaf Soltz over fears that increased NATO support could escalate the conflict and pose a greater nuclear threat. Thursday’s vote comes just two days after a summit at US air base Ramstein in Germany, attended by 40 allied nations from NATO and beyond, where German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht agreed to send tanks to Ukraine. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has backed the move, saying he believes their heavy weapons “will provide real capacity for Ukraine”. Soldiers walk among wrecked Russian tanks in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kiev, Ukraine. (AP / Rodrigo Abd) CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION He said he would not speculate on what else Germany could agree to give Ukraine. But the Secretary of Defense added: “Based on everything I have seen, in my interaction with the Secretary of Defense, and how committed he has been to ensuring that he can do what he can to help and work with our partners. and allies, that it will continue to look for ways to be relevant and provide good opportunities for Ukrainians as they continue to pursue this struggle. “
