German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday, that Germany will send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to help in the fight against Russia.
"This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability. We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally," Schultz said.
⚡️Bloomberg: Scholz confirms delivery of 14 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, green light for other nations to deliver. pic.twitter.com/7u8oGpsvpg
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) January 25, 2023
In this way, Germany will look to overcome its misgivings about the shipment of heavy weapons, which Kiev considers crucial to defeat the Russian invasion, but which Moscow rejects as a provocation. Pressure has been on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government for weeks to send in the tanks and allow other NATO allies to do the same ahead of spring offensives planned by both sides.
Keeping in mind, Berlin previously resisted exporting the German-made tanks and indicated that it would only authorize a shipment if the United States committed to sending the M1 Abrams tanks. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday, that she has "nothing to share" but that the Defense Department "never ruled out" sending tanks.
The German Chancellor's statement indicated that training of Ukrainian troops in Germany will begin shortly, and that Germany will also provide logistics and ammunition to Ukraine.
In turn, Germany will issue corresponding transfer permits to partner countries wishing to quickly deliver the Leopard 2 tanks from their stocks to Ukraine. Countries such as Poland have been waiting for this decision which was welcomed by Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki.
Thank you @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz. The decision to send Leopards to Ukraine is a big step towards stopping Russia. Together we are stronger.
— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) January 25, 2023
Other countries, such as Spain, announced Friday that they would supply units from their stockpiles of Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
