In order to drive out the Russian invaders, Ukraine has been asking the German government for months to deliver "Leopard" tanks. The subject also came up when Foreign Minister Baerbock visited Kyiv. The Green politician is once again cautious.
Ukraine urges Germany to supply main battle tanks to defend against Russian invasion. "We don't see any obstacles to this," said Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba after a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Until Berlin decides to do so, Germany should continue to supply artillery ammunition. "This noticeably increases our offensive options and helps us to liberate new areas," said the chief diplomat, referring to the ongoing Ukrainian offensives in the east and south of the country.
Baerbock reacted reluctantly to the Ukrainian demand. "We have been delivering heavy weapons for a long time. And we see that these heavy weapons also make a difference in terms of support for Ukraine," she emphasized. Specifically, Baerbock named multiple rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers and anti-aircraft tanks of the "Gepard" type. Germany will deliver ten more of the latter as soon as possible.
The Foreign Minister also promised heavy equipment for building bridges and winter equipment. Baerbock did not go directly into the "Leopard" type battle tanks mentioned by Kuleba. She only said: "As the situation on the ground changes, we always look at our support and will discuss further steps together with our partners."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently emphasized that he sees the German role in supporting Ukraine with heavy weapons primarily in the delivery of air defense systems and artillery. Scholz did not give a clear no to the delivery of battle tanks, but he emphasized the agreement with other western countries. So far, no NATO country has delivered modern western main battle tanks to Ukraine.
Kuleba warned Germany and the other partners to stick to the schedules. "Every day new types of weapons and ammunition must arrive in Ukraine," he said. "Ukraine's victory means the end of the war and it means a solution to many of Europe's problems," said the Ukrainian. Russia launched a war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February. At the end of August, Kyiv launched counter-offensives and has liberated large areas this week.
