Senior German lawmaker slams Chancellor Scholz for not providing heavy weaponry to Ukraine

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chairwoman of German Parliament's Defence Committee on Monday chastised Chancellor Olaf Scholz for t providing heavy weapons to embattled Ukraine, Der Spiegel reported. Zimmermann called on Scholz to make commitments to provide heavy weapons to Ukraine as ex-soviet state continues to resist inving Russian troops. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann also stated that she "regrets" that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz does t speak up on what he plans to do.

chairwoman of Bundestag Defence Committee stated that she feels Germany does t have time to discuss issue and stressed that it is t only about Ukraine but also about presence of Berlin in Europe, reported Der Spiegel. Zimmermann furr ded that she was "pleased" by decision of Scholz to provide more monetary aid to Ukraine. However, she emphasized that Ukraine is in dire need of weapons as military equipment is required for emerging victorious in ongoing war and money does t help in winning m. 

Meanwhile, Green politician Anton Hofreiter has also raised demand for providing heavy weapons to Ukraine in dition to increase in financial military aid, Rheinische Post reported. He termed surge in military assistance "good and right," however, ded that military aid "cant replace rapid delivery of heavy weapons." Anton Hofreiter called for anuncing stringent sanctions against Russia including a ban on importing Russian gas and oil. Hofreiter also highlighted that Russia earns most of its money through exporting oil and decision of gas embargo needs quick implementation, according to Rheinische Post report.  Reportedly, Germany has so far provided defensive weapons to Ukraine, however, it has refrained from providing heavy weaponry in besieged regions.  

Zelenskyy calls for providing weapons to Ukraine 

As Russian military offensive in Ukraine escalates beyond 50 days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yet again reiterated his appeal to international community to support war-torn country with weapons, financial support and or supplies. In his dress to nation on 17 April, Zelenskyy stated that any delay in supply of weapons could affect fate of his countrymen and expressed gratitude to those who continue to help Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said, "We are doing everything to ensure defence. We are in constant contact with partners. We are grateful to those who really help with everything y can." He ded, "But those who have weapons and ammunition we need and delay ir provision must kw that fate of this battle also depends on m. fate of people who can be saved." 

Im: AP/Facebook/@mastrackzimmermann