Interfax-Ukraine
April 28, 2022

Bundestag supports provision of heavy weapons to Ukraine

The Bundestag has supported the provision of heavy weapons to Ukraine, this decision was backed by 586 deputies.

“The German Bundestag speaks in favour of full support for Ukraine in Russia’s war of aggression and does not rule out the supply of heavy weapons from Germany for this purpose. On Thursday, April 28, 2022, 586 deputies voted by roll call in favor of the joint proposal (20/1550) of the coalition factions SPD, Alliance 90/the Greens and FDP as well as the largest opposition faction, CDU/CSU: 100 voted against and seven abstained,” the Bundestag said in a statement on its website Thursday.

====

Deutsche Welle
April 28, 2022

Ukraine: German lawmakers overwhelmingly approve heavy weapons deliveries

In a historic move, lawmakers in Germany have given the official green light to send “heavy weapons and complex systems” to Ukraine….

Lawmakers in Germany overwhelmingly voted in favor of providing Ukraine with “heavy weapons and complex [weapons] systems” to aid Kyiv as it battles Russia’s invasion.

The petition passed on Thursday, with with 586 votes in favor, 100 against, and seven abstentions.

The vote in the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, represents a historic shift in policy for Germany – after the government held off for weeks on sending heavy equipment

What weapons will Germany send to Kyiv?

In addition to heavy weapons, such as anti-aircraft systems and armored vehicles, the measure passed by German MPs included provisions for sending heavier equipment to eastern NATO allies as well.

Military aid should continue and accelerate wherever possible, according to the proposal backed by the ruling coalition and the biggest opposition party, the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU).

Germany will also deploy more soldiers to boost NATO presence in eastern Europe, and encourage Russian soldiers to lay down their arms and seek asylum in Germany and the EU.

Additionally, the measure foresees an appeal to China for it to “abandon its acceptance of war” and actively support a truce.