Germany plans workaround for arms deliveries to Ukraine

Berlin is working on a three-way swap via Slovenia that would see heavy equipment sent to Ukraine. However, criticism of the government’s lack of clarity continues — including from within its own ranks.

Facing mounting criticism for the lack of heavy weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Germany on Thursday signaled that it was planning a three-way swap of armaments that will enable Kyiv to get more of the equipment it needs.

Although Germany is the world’s fifth-largest exporter of arms, it has long avoided sending weapons directly to conflict zones. Since Russia’s invasion began in February, the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz has sent light equipment, ammunition, and given additional funding to German arms manufacturers sending supplies to Ukraine.

This policy has been slammed — both inside and outside Germany — as not going nearly far enough, with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki saying that “the ambiguous position taken by Germany here is certainly not helpful.”