Weapons for Ukraine? German Foreign Minister Maas rejects President Zelenskyi's request

 "In an interview with the F.A.Z., the Ukrainian President asked Berlin for military aid. But the Federal Government is sticking to its line: the conflict with Russia can only be resolved politically," says Foreign Minister Maas. 

The German government has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj's call for weapons from Germany. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine can only be resolved politically, said Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) before a video conference of the NATO foreign ministers. “That remains the guideline for our commitment, nothing will change that. Arms deliveries don't help. ”At the same time, he pointed out that Germany was“ the world's largest bilateral donor to Ukraine ”. Since 2014 Germany suplied the country with almost two billion euros. 

Maas rejected any doubts that Germany did not sufficiently recognize Ukraine's right to exist: "Ukraine can always be sure of German support in the conflict in eastern Ukraine and to preserve its territorial integrity and intactness" including mediation between Kiev and Moscow, as provided for in the Minsk Agreement. The Normandy Format is the best way to create peace and guarantee the people of Eastern Ukraine a life in security. That would "certainly not be the case if more weapons are delivered there," said Maas. 

Ukrainian President Zelenskyi said in an interview with F.A.Z. Berlin was asked for military help. Ukraine has to protect its coasts and needs "lethal weapons". “Germany did not give us any military aid, but it could do that. Germany has great ships: speed boats, rocket speed boats, patrol boats, ”said Selenskyj. He also asked for armored vehicles, assault rifles and radio equipment. Since the Russian conquest of Crimea and the occupation of parts of eastern Ukraine by separatists, the German government has refused to deliver “lethal” equipment to Kiev. The United States, on the other hand, has supplied armed patrol boats, automatic cannons and armor-piercing weapons to the country, and Turkey has also supplied combat drones."