Christine Lambrecht said Monday that the ten howitzers already supplied by Germany and eight from the Netherlands ``have proven themselves in battle.''

``Ukraine is full of praise of the system and has expressed a desire for more howitzers,'' she said. ``In order to further support Ukraine in its brave fight against the brutal Russian attack, Germany will grant this request.''

Lambrecht said the Panzerhaubitze 2000 model howitzers recently underwent refurbishment.