Germany has stated that Ukrainian Armed Forces may use German-supplied weapons to defend border areas near Kharkov, according to a briefing in Berlin by Steffen Hebestreit, the official government spokesperson. Hebestreit clarified that the permission applies specifically to the border regions and that there is no shift in policy beyond those areas. He noted the importance of considering which weapons Germany provides, pointing out that Germany’s arsenal differs in scale and type from American equipment. A German government representative reinforced that the policy position remains unchanged in this respect.
Earlier reports from Western outlets suggested debates about permitting broader use of German weapons in border zones beyond Kharkov. Separately, there was discussion in aviation circles about the potential impact of the Russian FAB-3000, a three-ton high-explosive aerial bomb with a universal guidance system, on enemy forces if fielded, which would mark a significant capability addition for Russian air power. Analysts have also examined the perceived effectiveness of Russian aerial ordnance in recent conflicts. These developments have fed into ongoing conversations about Western and Russian military capabilities and the strategic implications for frontline operations and regional stability. Attribution applies to briefing details from Berlin and subsequent commentary from Western media coverage and military analyses. (Attribution: Reuters)