Send tanks to Ukraine now!
Germany’s refusal to supply Leopard 2s is a disaster
Germany’s decision to block the large-scale transfer of Western-built main battle tanks to Ukraine will, like all its previous hesitations, eventually be eroded. But it’s a blow — not just to Ukraine, but to NATO and the collective Western response to Russian aggression.
[UPDATE 23.01.23: Annalena Baerbock has given Poland permission to send its Leopards. Meanwhile John Lough of Chatham House has a comprehensive rundown of why Scholz has to cave in, with recent polling info and reactions from FDP/Greens.]
The German government refused commit to donating Leopard 2 tanks direct to Ukraine at Friday’s Ramstein Group meeting, and has refused to allow Spain and Poland — both of whom field German-built Leopards — to re-export the tanks themselves.
The veto is significant because, with German industry acting as Europe’s tank maker of choice during the post Cold War era, when it seemed none of the kit would ever be used, the Leopard 2 is the most prevalent tank in European stockpiles, with ample supplies of spare parts and maintenance know-how across the continent.
But it’s even more significant when you consider the geopolitics.
