Updated on 1/18/2023 at 9:30 pm
- There has been debate for weeks over whether Germany should deliver heavy main battle tanks to Ukraine.
- Now, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is said to be ready to take that step.
- In return, he imposes a condition on the United States.
According to unanimous media reports, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is ready to allow the delivery of Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine – but only under certain conditions. According to information from the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Scholz made it clear in a telephone call to the President of the United States, Joe Biden, that Germany could only comply if the United States, in turn, supplied Ukraine with Abrams war tanks. Apparently, Biden still hadn’t made a decision in Tuesday’s conversation.
Bild newspaper, citing government circles, also reported that Scholz wanted to allow deliveries of the Leopard from Germany and NATO partners – even if the US also made Abrams tanks available. According to the report, Scholz is concerned that Europe and the US will only give Ukraine tanks together so that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot split NATO.
Read too: British “Challenger 2” for Ukraine: Germany under pressure
Scholz: Don’t go it alone when it comes to gun delivery
The Chancellery declined to comment on the night’s reports. In the arms surrender debate since the start of the war almost a year ago, Scholz has always emphasized that Germany will not do it alone, but will always coordinate important steps closely with its partners – especially the US and France.
In recent days, the pressure to make a decision about Scholz has increased significantly. This Friday, Ukraine’s Western allies are discussing further deliveries in Ramstein, Rhineland-Palatinate. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg hopes this will send a signal that “heavier and more modern weapons” are available to Ukraine.
Read too: Former Russian mercenary flees across border to testify about war crimes
Leopard 2 tanks are among the best in the world
20 countries around the world have the modern Leopard 2 tanks, produced in Germany. The federal government must therefore approve any transfer – no matter from which country. This is usually stipulated in the purchase agreement. That means: Scholz is on the lever for delivery. The Leopard 2 is considered one of the best main battle tanks in the world. The Ukrainians want to use it to break through opposing lines in what has recently been fairly static trench warfare.
On Wednesday morning, the European Parliament asked Scholz to clear the way for the delivery of the Leopard main battle tanks. The chancellor must “without delay” form a consortium of countries that can supply such tanks, according to a motion that was passed in Strasbourg by a large majority.
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Other countries have already pledged to supply main battle tanks.
In a speech in Davos that afternoon, however, the chancellor indicated no trend. Scholz again pointed out that Germany, along with Britain and the US, is already one of Ukraine’s biggest arms suppliers. “We will continue to be a great supporter.” Germany will deliver as long as it takes. Scholz confirmed that he would only decide on further steps together with the allies. We want to continue to avoid a war between NATO and Russia.
Poland and Finland have already agreed to make Leopard 2 available to the European network. Great Britain has announced that it will supply other types of main battle tanks to Ukraine. However, its Challenger 2 is comparable to the Leopard 2. (dpa/us)