“Leopard 2” deliveries: Shaking heads in the USA about Germany

There is talk of “cracks” and of a “dangerous challenge to Western unity”.

Such blatant criticism of Germany, in such a prominent place, is not something you read every day in the USA: “Germany refuses to send tanks to Ukraine: Biden must not tolerate that!” This was the headline in the Washington Post’s editorial over the weekend.

The left-liberal paper attacked the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz with a devastating salvo of words: Germany had given the previously closed NATO front its first major crack. Germany’s hesitation is a serious challenge to Western unity.

“Then send three Abrams”

That’s probably how the Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut, freshly returned from Ukraine, sees it. He didn’t want any misunderstandings to arise: “Germany should make the ‘Leopard 2’ tanks available! If it only depends on the USA also delivering their ‘Abrams’ tanks, then that should also happen!”

“If it only gets the Germans to do the right thing,” said the 76-year-old MP, “then send three Abrams to break the blockade.”

“You’ll find a way”

All TV channels in the US are currently showing military experts speculating about the apparently imminent spring offensive by Russian ground troops. So does ex-General Wesley Clark on CNN. “Ukraine is facing serious fighting,” emphasized the highly decorated Vietnam and Kosovo veteran, who has family roots in Russia.

The Ukrainians need the heavy war equipment as soon as possible. “We asked Germany to take the step forward,” said ex-General Clark. “They haven’t done that yet, but they will find a way.”

US government tempts with flattery

In any case, President Joe Biden’s administration wants to avoid the impression of a crumbling front against Putin. She doesn’t publicly push, but entices with flattery. Government officials, such as Foreign Office spokesman Ned Price, keep emphasizing what a reliable partner the federal government is. “Germany is an unshakable ally,” Price confirmed yesterday.

This has also proven itself in the military Ukraine aid. When asked whether “Abrams” tanks could be delivered as a prerequisite for German “Leopard 2”, the foreign ministry spokesman said he didn’t want to compare apples with oranges. Contrary to what was demanded by the “Washington” Post, the Biden government is avoiding any open confrontation and is giving Berlin more time to think about it. for now.