Vice-Chancellor of Germany extends Zelensky an apology

Robert Habeck has expressed regret for Germany's apparent failure to provide weapons to Ukraine sooner. During an unannounced visit to Kiev, Habeck apologized to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and said he "felt deeply ashamed" that Germany had changed tack on weapons deliveries "too late". He recounted how Zelensky had warned him in 2021 that a conflict could break out with Russia. Despite its initial reservations, Germany has provided Ukraine with sophisticated air defense systems and self-propelled howitzers in recent months. In late January, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the delivery of dozens of Leopard 2 battle tanks, while Berlin has also authorized other users of the German-made armored vehicles to send them to Ukraine.

Russia has warned Germany that it is becoming increasingly engaged in the Ukraine conflict, which could potentially lead to a direct military confrontation with NATO. The Kremlin has also claimed that the hardware sent to Kiev will not be a game-changer on the battlefield.