The Guardian Weekly

Berlin keeps strict line over export of tanks to Ukraine

Berlin maintains that its lockstep approach to weapons deliveries is the best way to support Ukraine, and the only way it can do so while keeping the German public on side.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz faced mounting criticism last week from international and domestic partners over the protracted decision to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks, which are made in Germany and require authorisation by Berlin for re-export from other countries.

A deadlock on the tanks question was broken only last Wednesday, when Washington announced it would send 31 of its Abrams tanks to Ukraine, meeting a condition Berlin had reportedly insisted on for releasing the Leopard 2.

In a speech last February, Scholz had raised expectations that Berlin would take a bolder initiative on military questions.

Opinion polls have shown the German public evenly divided over whether its government should send battle tanks to support Ukraine or not.

Global Report

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2023-02-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-02-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://theguardianweekly.pressreader.com/article/281672554085596

Guardian/Observer