European allies will ship about 80 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, Germany says – POLITICO

BERLIN — Germany and its European companions plan to “rapidly” ship two Leopard 2 tank battalions to Ukraine — suggesting about 80 automobiles — the federal government in Berlin introduced Wednesday, including that Germany would supply one firm of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks “as a primary step.”

Different nations prone to ship Leopards to the struggle in opposition to Russia embrace Poland, Spain, Norway and Finland.

The choice by Chancellor Olaf Scholz — which emerged on Tuesday night — marks a decisive second in Western assist for Ukraine in its struggle in opposition to Russian aggression, which entered its twelfth month this week and will quickly warmth up additional as Moscow is predicted to launch a brand new offensive.

Following Berlin’s transfer, different European nations like Spain and Norway reportedly agreed to hitch the Leopard tank alliance.

Andriy Yermak, the pinnacle of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s workplace, welcomed the German announcement as a “first step.”

“Leopards are very a lot wanted,” he stated on Telegram.

Zelenskyy himself additionally welcomed the move on Twitter. “Sincerely grateful to the Chancellor and all our buddies in” Germany, he stated.

Russia’s Ambassador to Germany Sergei Nechaev stated in a press release the choice was “extraordinarily harmful,” and took the battle “to a brand new degree of confrontation.”

Kyiv had lengthy urged Germany and different companions to produce its military with the highly effective German-built Leopard 2 tank, however Scholz hesitated to take the choice, partly out of concern that it may drag Germany or NATO into the battle. He remained adamant that such a transfer needed to be intently coordinated and replicated by Western allies, most notably the USA.

The information of an imminent announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden to ship “a big quantity” of American M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine facilitated the chancellor’s determination. Scholz had come below enormous strain from European companions like Poland, in addition to his personal coalition companions in authorities, to not block the supply of the German tank. Since they’re German-made, their re-export wanted the approval of the German authorities.

“This determination follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to one of the best of our skill. We act internationally in a intently coordinated method,” Scholz stated in a written assertion. He’s additionally because of deal with the German parliament at 1 p.m. on Wednesday to additional clarify his determination.

“The objective is to rapidly type two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine,” a German authorities spokesperson stated.

“As a primary step, Germany will present an organization of 14 Leopard-2 A6 tanks from Bundeswehr shares. Different European companions may also hand over Leopard-2 tanks,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson additionally stated the coaching of Ukrainian crews on the tanks “is to start quickly in Germany.” Berlin would additionally present “logistics, ammunition and upkeep of the methods.”

Furthermore, Germany will present associate nations like Spain, Poland, Finland or Norway, which “need to rapidly ship Leopard-2 tanks from their shares,” the mandatory re-export permission, the spokesperson stated.

NATO Secretary-Common Jens Stoltenberg tweeted that he “strongly welcomes” Berlin’s determination. “At a vital second in Russia’s struggle, these can assist Ukraine to defend itself, win & prevail as an unbiased nation.”

Spain, which owns one of many largest fleets of Leopards within the EU, with 347 tanks, has beforehand stated it might ship tanks to Kyiv as a part of a European coalition, in keeping with El País.

The Norwegian authorities is contemplating sending eight of its 36 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, however no determination has been made but, Norwegian each day DN reported late Tuesday after a gathering of the parliamentary committee on international affairs and protection, quoting sources near the deliberation.

Portugal, which has 37 Leopards, may present 4 tanks to the assembling European coalition, a supply near the federal government informed Correio da Manhã late on Tuesday.

The Netherlands, which is leasing 18 Leopards from Germany, can be weighing supplying a few of their armored automobiles, Dutch newswire ANP reported, quoting a authorities spokesperson. On Tuesday, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated he was “keen to contemplate” shopping for the tanks from Germany and delivery them to Ukraine, however that no determination had been made.

On Wednesday, the Swedish protection minister stated that Sweden didn’t exclude sending a few of its personal tanks at a later stage, in keeping with Swedish each day Svenska Dagbladet.

Wilhelmine Preussen and Zoya Sheftalovich contributed reporting.

This text was up to date.