No, the examination of whether Estonia should be allowed to hand over self-propelled howitzers from GDR stocks to the Ukrainians has not yet been completed.
Because these oldtimers are, as the SPD once again pointed out, offensive weapons.
So the Ukrainians could use them to invade Russia.
And of course Berlin doesn't want to risk that, especially now that the Normandy process has started rolling again.
Only the Gorch Fock would have an even stronger effect
But how do you then free yourself from the accusation that German solidarity with the Ukraine is limited to explaining it? The federal government has now found a solution that can be reconciled with your conscience: the delivery of 5000 helmets. It was a "very clear signal" that Germany was on Ukraine's side, said the defense minister. Only the dispatch of the Gorch Fock to the Black Sea would have sent an even stronger signal.
However, as recommended by Christine Lambrecht, we should all keep a cool head on these issues.
Contrary to its reputation, a steel helmet can help, as anyone who has ever had to wear such a headgear in winter knows.
But has the traffic light coalition considered that head protection could also be used in offensive operations?
The signal to Kiev (and Moscow) would only be very, very clear if the steel helmets were painted blue before delivery.