Training for Ukrainian soldiers in the use of German howitzers will soon be completed, paving the way for the use of the weapon, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said, Reuters reported.

"The training on the Panzerhaubitze 2000 will soon be completed so that it can be used in battle in Ukraine," Lambrecht told reporters during a visit to a military base in the western German town of Rheinbach.

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 is one of Bundeswehr's most powerful artillery pieces and can hit targets up to 40 kilometers away.

In May, Germany pledged to supply Kiev with seven self-propelled howitzers in addition to five such artillery systems promised by the Netherlands. But Berlin has also faced accusations from Ukraine that it is procrastinating and spending too much time delivering the heavy weapons.

Lambrecht gave no details on when the howitzers would be shipped to Ukraine.

"The first howitzers will be delivered (to Ukraine) when the training has been completed and it is responsible (to supply them)," she said, adding she would make neither the date nor transport routes public for security reasons.

Kiev needs 1,000 howitzers, 500 tanks and 1,000 drones among other heavy weapons, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said the day before.