Western nations start sending weapons to Ukraine

After the United States and France, the German government said it will send weapons and other supplies directly to Ukraine, which is fighting to keep Russia from invading its capital city. Germany is also ready to also support some restrictions of the SWIFT global banking system for Russia, officials said.

Germany's chancellery announced on Saturday evening that it will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 "Stinger" surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine "as quickly as possible."

"The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. It threatens our entire post-war order," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement. "In this situation, it is our duty to help Ukraine, to the best of our ability, to defend itself against Vladimir Putin's invading army."

The United States had earlier announced $350 million in aid to Ukraine, totalling $1 billion in security assistance since President Joe Biden took office. The additional aid includes "anti-armour, small arms and various munitions, body armour and related equipment," said John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary. A senior defence official said the assistance, which includes Javelin anti-tank weapons, will be delivered to Ukraine in phases and as soon as possible. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning.