Ukraine has recently recaptured important areas from the Russian occupying forces, partly thanks to Western weapons. In order to advance further, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls on Germany in particular to send additional war equipment – especially modern Western “Leopard” battle tanks. Not only opposition politicians, but also the traffic light coalition are now putting pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Until now, Germany has supplied air and anti-tank weapons and artillery, that is, cannons that can fire from afar at enemy positions or behind enemy lines, for example to hit ammunition depots. However, Ukraine has long been demanding battle tanks and armored vehicles from the West.
Main battle tanks could use their troops to advance and retake areas, as demonstrated recently in the Kharkiv offensive. Infantry fighting vehicles are used to transport soldiers to the combat area as safely as possible and to support them in battle.
Everything but main battle tanks
And here it is in Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz hesitates when it comes to battle tanks. And according to experts, for two reasons: firstly, because of the “offensive” nature of main battle tanks. And on the other hand, because the tank inventory of the German Bundeswehr has been reduced to such an extent in recent years that export would hardly be possible without further weakening its own tank troops. In addition, the German “Leopard” would be the first Western main battle tank to be delivered to Ukraine.
“We will not do it alone in everything we do,” Scholz said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk. The SPD politician emphasized the support already provided. It was precisely the weapons that Germany had made available that “made the difference and also made the successes, the current successes that Ukraine makes possible.” Therefore, it “makes sense that we continue there”.
“No escalation”
The German chancellor also stated that he acted cautiously and with determination. “Our goal remains that the war between Russia and NATO does not escalate.” German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) also spoke in the papers of the Funke media group “caution” and rejected a “German solo effort” if possible tank deliveries.
FDP misunderstanding
FDP politicians, on the other hand, stepped up the pressure over the weekend. FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann wrote on Twitter: “Given the atrocities committed by Isjum, I find it irresponsible to hide behind warnings about the so-called solo efforts and the partner countries, when it is precisely these partners Germany begging. to move forward at last”.
In a guest article for the “Rheinische Post” she wrote: “What the hell are we waiting for?” The reconquest of occupied territory is part of the right of self-defense and therefore in accordance with international law. “This also includes the supply of Western-style armored personnel carriers and main battle tanks to support the invaded country.”
“Immediate delivery of leopard, marten and fox”
Similar demands come from the opposition Union – made up of the CDU and CSU. If Germany is “never serious again”, then it should now supply Leopard, Marder and Fuchs (ie main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers and transport tanks) “immediately”, wrote CDU foreign politician Roderich Kiesewetter on Twitter.
The trade union faction in the Bundestag has announced that it will submit an application for an extension of arms aid to Ukraine in the coming days.
As reported, Germany continues to provide artillery. Most recently, the federal government approved the export of 18 RCH-155 howitzers – “one of the most modern barrel artillery systems in the world” according to the manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It is a mobile artillery piece mounted on a wheeled tank.
According to “Welt am Sonntag”, it is a planned order from Kiev worth 216 million euros. The howitzers could therefore be delivered in two and a half years at the earliest.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
