Increased pressure on Scholz to deliver German tanks

Finland is happy to join an international coalition that will send German Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. With this statement of Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, the country joins the “international coalition” of the Poles to supply Ukraine with the coveted tanks. Thus, the keys to the future course of the war in Ukraine are increasingly in the hands of the Germans. Without the consent of Berlin, the tanks could not go to the front.

All eyes are now on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Because even within his German government, the socialist is isolated by his wait-and-see attitude. Green and Liberal coalition partners agree to deliver Leopard 2 tanks. Robert Habeck, Green’s deputy counsel, responded to the Polish appeal: “There is a difference between one’s decision and an obstacle in the way of another.” Germany should not prevent the decision of other countries.

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To date, Berlin has not yet received an official order to send tanks to Ukraine. “We must also ensure that we continue to fulfill our other military commitments,” defends a Socialist member of the Parliamentary Defense Committee in DW. Moreover, our female consultant shows reasonable leadership. He works rationally.

In the back of Schultz’s mind, the enormous historical weight of his country likely played a role. Germany in no way wants to be seen as the aggressive case of World War II. Not even the Kremlin.

Urgent need

To make progress again, the advanced tank could provide Ukraine with much-needed “strike force” to push Russian forces further east. Leopard 2 is my first favourite. The tank has a good reputation: it is very mobile, has a long range, is accurate from long distances, and has heavy armor.

Another plus: there are about 2,000 tours in Europe. The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army, Valeriy Zalogny, estimates that it needs about 300 copies.

At the same time, the urgency of delivery increases. Intelligence services suspect a new Russian offensive in which Belarus could also play a role.

The Americans and the British are pressing them

There is also pressure from the UK. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is said to have asked his defense minister to “work with partners” and provide more support to Ukraine. “Including the supply of tanks.” For the British, their Challenger 2 tank seemed the most logical choice. A German green light is not required for this.

But the United States is also getting involved. It is said that Ukraine has already asked the Pentagon to acquire American M1 Abrams tanks, as a means of pressure on Berlin. Washington does not believe these deliveries are ideal for practical reasons. Moreover, they do not want to risk their technology falling into Russian hands. The United States chooses to launch a diplomatic charm attack on Germany. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sits with fellow German Christine Lambrecht. It will probably encourage a fellow party member to agree to the deliveries.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba predicts that “the Germans will cope.” He knows what it’s like to work with the Germans: ‘Even if Germany has good arguments for not doing it now, they’ll give in eventually. Just like with howitzers and anti-aircraft systems.