Apr 26, 2022 - World

Germany to deliver anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine

Jacob Knutson

Germany's Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht during a meeting with U.S. and Ukrainian officials at at Ramstein Air Base on April 26. — German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht during a meeting at Ramstein Air Base on April 26. Photo: Boris Roessler/picture alliance via Getty Images

Germany's minister of defense, Christine Lambrecht, said Tuesday her country will deliver an unspecified number of anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine.

Why it matters: The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on the German government to increase military aid to Ukraine in response to Russia's unprovoked invasion.

Germany said in February it would send anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine, reversing a restrictive export policy that prevented it from shipping arms to active conflict zones.
Lambrecht announced the new shipment of the German-made Flakpanzer Gepard during a meeting with more than 30 defense officials from dozens of NATO and non-NATO countries at Ramstein Air Base.

The big picture: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday accused NATO of engaging in a proxy war with Russia through Ukraine and said the threat of a nuclear conflict "should not be underestimated."

Go deeper ... Austin: U.S. would like Russian military "weakened"

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Germany to deliver anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine

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