We don't say no, but there hasn't been a request yet – Berlin on Leopard for Ukraine from Poland
Germany does not exclude the supply of Leopard tanks to Ukraine from Poland. However, the country has not yet received an official request from Warsaw.
This was announced by the representative of the government of Germany, Christian Hoffmann. According to her, Berlin does not say “no” to the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but Poland has not yet given an official request in this regard.
She noted that in such matters decisions are discussed and made together with the allies. Hoffmann denies the view that Germany expects the US position on this issue.
Also, the speaker of the government did not agree that there are disagreements in Berlin on the transfer of Leopard to Ukraine – Chancellor Olaf Scholz allegedly does not agree with the position of Vice-Chancellor Robert Gabek.
At the same time, she noted that the transfer of German-made tanks without the consent of Germany itself would be illegal. Yes, it needs the consent of the federal government.
Ukraine will receive Leopard tanks
- On January 11, Polish President Andrzej Duda promised Ukraine a company of Leopard tanks. The Head of State thanked the President of Poland. He hopes that other countries will not be delayed in making a decision.
- Poland has more than 240 German-made Leopard tanks in service with its army. Also, for the transfer of Leopard to Ukraine, permission from the government of Chancellor Scholz is needed, since Germany is a manufacturing country.
- Plans to transfer battle tanks to Ukraine have been confirmed in the UK.
Reference. A tank company of the Armed Forces of Ukraine consists of ten tanks: one control tank and three platoons of three tanks. The same number in the tank company of the Russian army. It is not known how many tanks Warsaw will send, because according to NATO standards, the company contains 14 units. Ukraine is especially interested in getting Leopards. There are more than 2,000 of them in Europe, and they are in service with 13 countries. So far, Spain's intention to transfer about 40 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine is known.