After weeks of indecision that fueled impatience among Germany’s allies, the chancellor, Olaf Scholz, officially announced on Wednesday what the press had already slipped the day before: that his government will supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and will approve requests from other countries to do the same.
The Russian reaction was not long in coming. “Berlin’s decision signifies the definitive renunciation of the Federal Republic of Germany to recognize the historical responsibility before our people for the terrible crimes of Nazism during the Great Patriotic War that do not expire,” said Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergei Nechaev.
In Ukraine there was gratitude. “The first step has already been taken. Ukraine needs a lot of ‘Leopard'”Andrej Zermak, head of President Volodimir Zelenski’s office, said through his Telegram account.
Fourteen tanks to start with.
The German leader explained in a statement that he will initially send to Kiev one Leopard 2 A6 main battle tank company, made of 14 vehiclesfrom their reserves. The goal is for Berlin and its allies to contribute a total of two battalions, or 88 tanks.
“This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability,” Scholz said after a meeting of his government in Berlin, after weeks of pressure from Europe and the United States to allow shipments of these much more powerful armored vehicles than Russian tanks.
Germany was “acting in close coordination” with its international allies, he added.
The Leopards 2
The Leopard 2, a heavy tank that Ukraine has been asking for from Germany and the Western powers for months, is a world-famous weapon capable of having a “significant” impact on the battlefield.
The tank combines firepower, mobility and protection. Designed by the German manufacturer Krauss-Maffei, it has been mass-produced since the late 1970s to replace American tanks. M48 Patton and then the Leopard 1.
Until date, about 3,500 copies were released of the production chains.
This combat tank of 60 tons is equipped with a 120 mm caliber cannon. He is capable of it shoot on the go and its 1,500 horsepower engine allows it a top speed of 70 km/h, with a range of 450 kilometres.
According to its manufacturer, it is also equipped with “integral passive protection”, effective against mines and rocket launchers. It also has technological tools that allow it to locate and attack the enemy from a long distance.
The shipment of Abrams tanks, the final push
Germany’s long-awaited decision came after US officials said a preliminary deal had been reached for Washington supply M1 Abrams tanks to help Kiev push back Russian forces entrenched in its eastern region nearly a year into the war.
Scholz had insisted that any move to supply Ukraine with powerful Leopard 2s should be closely coordinated with Berlin’s allies, especially with the United States. By making Washington commit to engaging some of his tanks, Germany hopes to spread the risk of any Russian response.
Ekkehard Brose, director of the German Army’s Federal Academy for Security Policy, said including Washington in the decision was key to prevent Europe from facing a Russia alone with nuclear weapons.
The historical significance of the provision
But he also underlined the deep historical significance of this decision.
“German-made tanks will face Russian tanks in Ukraine again“he said, adding that this “was (was) not an easy idea” for Germany, which takes responsibility for the horrors of World War II.
“It’s still, it is the right decision‘said Brose, who argued that it is up to Western democracies to help Kiev stop Moscow’s military campaign.
“A Disastrous Plan”
For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the German and US decision as “a rather disastrous plan.”
“I am convinced that many specialists understand the absurdity of this ideahe told reporters Wednesday.
“From the technological aspects alone, this is a pretty disastrous plan. The main thing is that this is a completely obvious overestimation of the potential that it (the supply of tanks) would add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It’s yet another mistake, a rather profound one“, He added.
Peskov predicted that “these tanks will burn like any other (…) Except they are very expensive, and this one will fall on the shoulders of European taxpayers”, he said, trying to generate divisions within the European community.
Members of Scholz’s tripartite governing coalition they celebrated the news before the official announcement.
“The Leopard is free!” said German MP Katrin Goering-Eckardt, a leading voice of the Green Party.
Two small opposition parties have criticized the move. The far-right group Alternative for Germany described the decision of “irresponsible and dangerous” while La Izquierda, who has historical ties to Moscow, warned a possible escalation of the conflict.
The latest polls show that German voters are divided on this issue.
The pressure on Scholz increased this week after he Poland formally requested in Berlin your permission for shipping the Leopard 2 you have in reserve.
The German government has indicated that it intends to start training Ukrainian tank crews in Germany immediately. The package that is being put together also includes logistics, ammunition and maintenance.
Clarín writing with information from AFP and EFE
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Source: Clarin
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.