Germany refuses to send weapons to Ukraine amid tensions
Iran Press TV
Friday, 28 January 2022 9:07 AM
Germany's stance in the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine is under increasing scrutiny. Although other NATO allies, including the US, have agreed to export weapons directly to Ukraine, the German government has so far declined to do so.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Berlin has refused to issue permits for weapons exports from Estonia to Ukraine.
German government officials have said they oppose sending arms to Ukraine, as they fear that such deliveries could push tensions higher and make negotiations more difficult. .
That's while Germany remains one of the world's top arms producers and exporters, with sales increasing 21% from 2016 to 2020.
Kiev is furious over Germany's decision, and is accusing Berlin of encouraging Russia to invade Ukraine, while the Kremlin denies the allegations.
The US, Britain, and several Baltic states have agreed to send Kiev weapons including anti tank and anti aircraft missiles.
Meanwhile, some 90 tonnes of US lethal aid arrived in Ukraine on Saturday. The consignment is the first shipment of a $200 million package the US approved in December.
Conversely, the shipment arrived hours after Russia's Foreign Minister and his US counterpart held what they called "frank talks" to try and reduce the chance of a wider conflict in Ukraine.
It is believed that Washington is using the Ukraine crisis as a pretext to further its policy of attempting to restrain Russia and China.
Washington has threatened several German companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline with economic sanctions.
The completed multibillion dollar pipeline is set to double Russian gas supplies to Germany but has been entangled in a highly politicized approval process.
Therefore, this is clear indication that it is NATO members who are escalating tensions around Ukraine.
The US, its NATO allies and Ukraine, have accused Moscow of amassing troops near Ukraine's border for a possible invasion.
But Moscow says it has deployed troops along its western border to ensure its security in the face of NATO's eastward expansion.
The UK has accused Russia of trying to install an ally in Ukraine. This provoked a strong response from Moscow, calling the allegations nothing but nonsense and disinformation.
In a statement released on Saturday, the British Foreign Office claimed to have information that indicates the Russian government is looking to install a pro Russian leader in Kiev and is considering a former Ukrainian lawmaker as a potential candidate. It also claimed that Russia is gearing up to invade and occupy Ukraine.
It seems that London is following in Washington's footsteps threatening Russia with severe economic sanctions if it goes ahead with the alleged scheme. The United Kingdom has also supplied 2000 missiles and a team of elite troops to Ukraine this week amid rising tensions.
The timing and mysterious nature of the intelligence disclosure coincides with bombshell revelations about a series of parties at Downing Street during COVID lockdowns as well as a record inflation level.
It is also fueling the widespread discontent with the Boris Johnson government.
He is now facing resignation calls even from within his own party.
This raises the question whether some in the British government are simply eager, by any means necessary, to deflect attention from the problems that plague Britain and threaten to topple Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
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