FACT CHECK: Is Ukraine Using ‘Hundreds’ Of German Howitzers?
A video shared on Facebook claims Ukraine is using “hundreds” of German howitzers in its fight against Russia.
Verdict: Misleading
Germany has provided 10 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine. Approximately 20 more will be sent, according to the German Ministry of Defense.
Fact Check:
Germany and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries have provided Ukraine with tens of billions in military aid, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. U.S. officials have hit back against Russian allegations that Ukraine would detonate a “dirty bomb” on its own territory, CNN reported.
The Facebook video, viewed more than 18,000 times, claims Ukraine is using “Hundreds Of German PzH 2000 Howitzers” to destroy Russian soldiers. (RELATED: Has The U.S. Ambassador To Ukraine Been Arrested?)
However, this claim is misleading. Germany has provided Ukraine with 10 PZH 2000 howitzers as of publishing time, according to Oryx, a military analysis website. The German Ministry of Defense stated it would be providing 16 “Zusanna” howitzers – with cooperation from Norway and Denmark– and four more PZH 2000 howitzers.
Germany did approve of a Ukrainian purchase of 100 PZH 2000 howitzers in July, but these vehicles would not be ready for several years and still have to be manufactured, according to Reuters. The first batch of PZH 2000 howitzers was sent to Ukraine in June, the outlet reported.
Germany has also sent three MARS II Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to Ukraine, with plans to send two more, according to the German Ministry of Defense. Germany has also sent hundreds of vehicles and anti-tank weapons, among other equipment, to Ukraine, according to Oryx.
Misinformation regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been widespread since its start in February 2022. Check Your Fact debunked a video claiming to show a missile strike on the Kerch Bridge.