Germany will deliver howitzers to Ukraine

The German Defence ministry announced that it will deploy seven self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, as part of an increase in heavy weapon transfers to assist Kyiv fight Russia’s incursion.

The Panzerhaubitze 2000s (armored howitzers 2000) are from the Bundeswehr’s maintenance stock, not the army’s current pool.

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During a visit to Slovakia, Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht announced that the Netherlands will transfer another five howitzers of the same kind to Ukraine.

The German army possesses around 100 howitzers, but only 40 are battle ready.

There were no delivery dates specified. Ukrainian soldiers will begin training on how to use howitzers in Germany next week.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has come under fire for being slow to arm Ukraine in comparison to other Western allies. After first limiting weapon supplies to primarily defensive weaponry, Berlin ultimately decided to send tanks in late April.

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A fresh United Nations (UN) convoy was due in Mariupol on Friday to rescue inhabitants from the “bleak hell” of a besieged steel mill, which has become the city’s final pocket of resistance against invading Russian soldiers.

The Russian military declared a three-day cease-fire at the location on Thursday. (read more)