Baerbock on tank deliveries: “We would not stand in the way”

Foreign Minister Baerbock has stated that Germany would not prevent other countries from possibly supplying tanks to Ukraine. Defense Minister Pistorius also justified the Federal Government’s consideration of its own “Leopard” deliveries.

In view of the growing pressure from partner countries, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has made it clear that Germany would not block the possible export of “Leopard” tanks from other countries to Ukraine. “Right now the question hasn’t been asked, but if we were asked we wouldn’t stand in the way,” she told French TV channel LCI. In doing so, she is answering the question of what would happen if Poland delivered “Leopard” tanks to Ukraine.

Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki had previously said that if necessary, he would deliver tanks to Ukraine without Germany’s consent. He told the PAP news agency: “We will not stand by and watch Ukraine bleed dry. Ukraine and Europe will win this war – with or without Germany.” If there is no early agreement with Germany, Poland will form a “smaller coalition” with other countries. These countries would then begin supplying some of their “Leopard” tanks to Ukraine without German approval.

The federal government has not yet made a decision on the delivery of German battle tanks to Ukraine. Nor has it issued any delivery permits to other countries for the tanks produced in Germany. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania called on Germany over the weekend to quickly release German “Leopard” main battle tanks for Ukraine. The British government also agreed.

Pistorius urges patience

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius defended the federal government’s deliberation process on the delivery of “Leopard 2” tanks to Ukraine. “It’s not just a question of delivering or not delivering these tanks, but also weighing the consequences of not acting, but also of acting,” he said in the ARD-Broadcast “Anne Will”.

Germany has a special responsibility “that we have to live up to,” said the minister. The “Leopard” is a heavy armored weapon that can also be used for offensive purposes. “And you have to think very carefully about when you bring them into this event.” He thinks it’s in Germany’s and Europe’s interest to do this carefully and in a balanced manner, “and not in haste or frivolously.”

Decisions are “made when they are due – and that happens in the Chancellery”. Among other things, it is about the question of the security of one’s own population and the claim not to want to become a party to the war, said Pistorius, “and at the same time to support Ukraine with all our might to win this war”. “There will be a decision soon,” he announced. But this depends on many factors. There are also other states “that can make their contributions”. One had “proceded jointly and in concert as allies in all steps during this terrible war” and had good experiences in the process. There is no reason to deviate from this procedure when supplying battle tanks.

Inventory check as preparation for decision

Germany is already at the top of those countries worldwide that support Ukraine. Systems, weapons and equipment worth 3.3 billion euros have already been made available, said Pistorius. Only Britain and the US would have done more. “We don’t have to hide from that and this finger pointing doesn’t help anyone.” The priorities are currently on air defense and the associated ammunition anyway.

When asked about his announcement that he wanted to check the Bundeswehr stocks of the tank type, the SPD politician said his job was “much more extensive and precise than just counting how many ‘Leopard’ tanks there are and how many are available”. This has been known since last May. He is primarily concerned with operational capability and timing and coordination with partners and industry. He wants to be prepared for a possible decision on the delivery of the ‘Leopard’ tanks.

At the Franco-German summit in Paris, Chancellor Olaf Scholz left it open when he would make his decision about the delivery of German battle tanks to Ukraine and on what he would make it dependent. “We only act in close coordination with one another,” he merely affirmed.

Merz criticizes Scholz

CDU leader Friedrich Merz asked Scholz to explain his hesitation. “We don’t even know why he’s so hesitant,” Merz said Report from Berlin. “Even if you were willing to understand his attitude – he would at least have to explain it well.” Many wondered why he did not act.

In his speech on the anniversary of the Franco-German treaties in Paris, Scholz missed an opportunity to announce a joint proposal for further action in the coming days. “He didn’t take this opportunity, and that also played a significant role here in the discussions after the speech and after the ceremony this morning, across party lines.” Germany and France must jointly give an answer to the question of how to proceed. There is a clear stance on this in Germany and also in France – “unfortunately not from the German Federal Chancellor”.

Green Party leader Omid Nouripour is urging the German government to take a quick position on tanks that other countries want to deliver to Ukraine. If there is a request for a delivery permit from states in the European Union, “they deserve a quick answer,” said Nouripour im Report from Berlin.

Baerbock does not want to block tank deliveries from other countries

Birthe Sönnichsen, ARD Berlin, 23.1.2023 7:09 a.m