"The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point in history. It threatens our entire post-war order," said Chancellor Olaf Scholz as his government approved the delivery of a huge batch of lethal weapons to Kyiv.

"In this situation, it is our duty to support Ukraine to the best of our ability in its defence against (Russian President) Vladimir Putin's invading army," said Scholz, stressing that Germany "stands closely by Ukraine's side".

In a shift from its longstanding policy of banning weapons exports to conflict zones, Berlin is opening up its Bundeswehr store, pledging to transfer 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 "Stinger" class surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.

It also finally approved the deliveries of 400 anti-tank rocket launchers via the Netherlands to Ukraine on Saturday. 

The anti-tank launchers had been purchased by the Netherlands from Berlin, and The Hague had therefore required Germany's green light to hand them to Kyiv.

Likewise, a weeks-long request from Estonia for the transfer to Ukraine of nine old Howitzers purchased from ex-communist East Germany won approval.

Besides the weapons, 14 armoured vehicles will be handed over to Ukraine, and "will serve for the protection of personnel, possibly for evacuation purposes", said a government source.

Up to 10,000 tonnes of fuel will also be sent through Poland to Ukraine, said the source, adding that other "possible support services are now being examined".

Welcoming the decision, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted: "Keep it up, Chancellor Olaf Scholz!" 

eNCA