Germany's decision to send tanks to Ukraine has been met with a mixed reaction at home.

A recent survey conducted by FORSA, a leading research company in Berlin, found 46 percent of those polled were in favor of battle tanks being sent to the conflict zone to help Ukraine defend itself.

However, the same percentage of respondents were against the idea.

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This divided was reflected on the streets of Munich when CGTN asked members of the public. "It's high time (we sent tanks)," said one resident. "Putin should have been held accountable much earlier, so he learns that it doesn't work like that."

Another resident felt differently, reminding everyone that "Germany was in World War II and we said 'never again' to war. It's all been forgotten and I think it's the time when we really need to be smarter."

For weeks Germany had faced intense pressure from other European Union countries to donate German-made Leopard tanks to Kyiv and allow other countries to also send their own stock.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, from the traditionally pacifist Social Democratic Party, argued that he did not want to be the only leader sending heavy weapons, potentially escalating and drawing NATO deeper into the conflict.

But the increasing devastation seen in Ukraine has had a profound effect on the conscience of Germans.

For and against 

Tim Büthe, head of international relations at Munich's School for Politics and Public Policy, said opinions have shifted significantly in recent months.

"As Russia has continued to pound civilian infrastructure, to attack civilian populations, the commitment to help Ukraine defend itself has grown, including with whatever weapons are needed," he said.

At the same time there remains deep apprehension of getting too involved in another country's war, while the historic symbolism is a significant consideration for many Germans.

"Germany attacked the Soviet Union in World War II and there is a strong worry not to be seen as attacking Russia once more and having German arms kill Russians," said Büthe.

End to pacifism

After World War II, Germany took a pacifist stance in its foreign policy and security strategies. The conflict in Ukraine is now forcing Berlin to re-define this long-held position.

Last February, Berlin agreed to spend 100 billion euros ($109bn) on strengthening the country's military capabilities and defence, breaking with its post-Cold War tradition of underfunding the army. Part of this includes a batch of new tanks, especially now that 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks and 88 of its older Leopard 1 tanks are being sent to the frontlines.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also said to be eyeing a multi-layered, anti-missile shield that could cost as much as $18.5 billion.

These latest additions to the army, known as the Bundeswehr, appear to have far more support according to people CGTN spoke to on the streets of Munich.

"I am definitely happy that they put more money in it," said one young woman, while others reflected the opinion that such a funding increase was overdue.