Germany makes an abrupt turn and sends weapons to Ukraine. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party) is now considering whether Norway should send military equipment.
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Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholtz will report on Saturday Twitter that Germany will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger missiles to Ukraine.
This is a sharp turnaround, as Germany has until now maintained its practice of not sending weapons to areas in war or where war threatens. This is something Norway has also enshrined in law since 1959.
Several weeks ago, the Ukrainian embassy sent a list of military equipment they need. The list has been under consideration by the German authorities for several weeks.
On Friday, it was announced that Germany would allow the Netherlands to send 400 rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) to Ukraine.
On Saturday, Germany sent 5,000 protective helmets for Ukrainebut this was met with demands that Berlin had to do more.
–– Important symbolism
The German shift comes as several of the country’s western allies mobilize to send Ukraine more weapons, ammunition and air defense systems while Russian forces fight against Ukrainian cities.
– It has been a difficult dilemma for Germany. The country has been involved in starting two world wars and has not wanted to contribute to the third, says NUPI researcher Jakub M. Godzimirski.
– Why does Germany still choose to sell weapons to Ukraine now?
– They have been exposed to a lot of pressure at home and from other European countries. When the German government decided to send 5,000 helmets, there was a riot and now they have realized that they can contribute weapons to a country that is being attacked.
– What does it mean for Ukraine?
– The situation on the ground will determine whether the weapons arrive where they are needed. But it is important symbolism in that Germany is willing to send weapons to Ukraine.
Sky News reports that the United Kingdom, the United States and 25 other countries have decided to send weapons and other supplies to Ukraine.
Politico writes that the German change can lead to a rapid increase in military aid to Ukraine, as long as large parts of Europe’s weapons and ammunition are partly German-produced.
– Norway also has a law that says that we should not send weapons to areas that are at war. Will this put increased pressure on Norway?
– Now Støre says that Norway will contribute with military equipment, and then we will see what that means. Norway has made good money on this conflict with increased gas and oil prices, and it should be possible for Norway to spend some of this money on helping Ukraine, says Jakub M. Godzimirski.
Støre will consider sending military equipment
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party) said on Friday that it is inappropriate to change the law that prevents Norway from sending military equipment to Ukraine. Now, however, he opens to send military equipment to the country.
It should not be about sharp weapons, but other equipment that the country may need, Støre said on Dagsrevyen on Saturday. To VG, Støre says that they have received a request from Ukraine.
– Ukraine defends itself against a major attack. It includes large sections of the male population of Ukraine. We have received a request for equipment that they need and we are now going through it to see if there is anything we can contribute.
– What kind of equipment is relevant?
– Bulletproof vests, helmets and other material of this type. There may be other types of material that are also relevant.
Støre emphasizes that it is not relevant to challenge the law which states that Norway shall not contribute weapons and ammunition to areas in war.
– We will of course do this within the limits that apply and in close contact with the Storting. We are not talking about sharp weapons, but it is important that we do a review when we have received such a request.
– How fast will it happen?
– We will do this in a good and tidy way. We will not spend more time than necessary.
The leader of the Storting’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee says on Saturday night that the Conservatives support that Norway should consider sending military equipment to Ukraine.
– It is a completely right signal from the government, and it has the Conservatives’ full support, says Ine Eriksen Søreide (H) to VG.
Thus, the government has the majority in the Storting behind it when they move forward with the plan.
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