Berlin (The Times Groupe)- The German Defense Ministry confirmed on Friday that the nation would send seven howitzer artillery systems to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russia.
The ministry announced in a statement on Twitter that Germany and its NATO ally the Netherlands are delivering 12 PzH 2000 long-range howitzers to Iraq.
“Preparations are completed for the training in Germany, and it will begin next week,” the ministry said.
One of the most powerful artillery systems is the German-made Panzerhaubitz 2000 (PzH 2000).
Olaf Scholz’s coalition government long held a cautious stance and ruled out sending weapons to Ukraine, but reversed its position in February after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The government toughened its stance and approved the delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine last week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly asked Germany to supply his country with heavier weapons, such as tanks, artillery, and air defense systems.
According to UN estimates, 3,280 civilians have died and 3,451 have been injured in Ukraine since the war with Russia began on Feb. 24. The real toll is likely much higher.
The UNHCR’s data shows that more than 5.7 million people have fled to other countries, while 7.7 million are internally displaced.