![]() ![]() In April 2022, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki accused Germany of “ standing in the way” of harder sanctions against Russia. It has also reignited accusations from some quarters that Berlin is not a reliable team player, both in terms of NATO and the European Union. The Leopard tank drama has served to highlight ongoing international concerns over the nature of Germany’s political ties to the Putin regime. ![]() However, training and logistical issues mean that it may take up to three months before these tanks reach the front lines in Ukraine. This could initially be sufficient to create two battalions of Leopard tanks. There are currently thought to be approximately 2,000 Leopards in service, making both maintenance and resupply relatively convenient.įollowing today’s green light from Berlin, Ukraine is now expecting to receive commitments from a growing coalition of countries ready to deliver Leopards. The Leopard is viewed as the ideal tank model for Ukraine as it is technically superior to anything Russia can field and is widely available in Europe. Ukraine has been calling for Leopards since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began almost one year ago on February 24, 2022. “Germany will always be at the forefront when it comes to supporting Ukraine,” he told German MPs in Berlin. However, he now appears to have bowed to intensifying international pressure after securing assurances from Washington that the United States will also provide Ukraine with tanks. Germany faced accusations of blocking international efforts to provide Kyiv with desperately needed modern tanks at a time when the Ukrainian and Russian armies are both racing to prepare spring offensives that could determine the outcome of the war.ĭuring the first weeks of 2023, Scholz was widely accused of stalling over the decision to deliver Leopard tanks to Ukraine. It comes following weeks of mounting geopolitical tension over the issue. The move to supply Ukraine with main battle tanks was announced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag. Germany confirmed on Wednesday that it will send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and grant other countries permission to hand over their own German-made tanks. ![]()
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