The angry accusation from Poland was that Germany was not fulfilling its promises in the arms exchange. Now the defense minister is trying to smooth things over – and is sending a letter.
For days, the federal government had to endure angry reactions from Poland because, from the perspective of the neighboring country, Germany was not fulfilling its promises in the arms exchange. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) is now trying to smooth things over. In a letter to her counterpart Mariusz Błaszczak in Warsaw, who Süddeutsche Zeitung is available, she again advertises the offer from Germany and emphasizes that it is also the most modern Leopard-2-Main battle tanks could be part of the deal, just not right away.
“As already discussed at the working level on July 14 in Berlin,” writes Lambrecht, “a joint procurement of ultra-modern leopard-2Battle tanks from German industry possible.” And it goes on to say: “In the production and delivery of these new tanks, we would try everything that Poland is given priority.”
The ring exchange concept envisages that Eastern European partners in particular quickly hand over their old Soviet-made battle tanks and armored personnel carriers to the Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against Russian military superiority. In return, Western partners promise to quickly replenish stocks of war equipment.
So far, Warsaw has found the offer from Germany to be insufficient. Poland has already supported Ukraine by supplying well over 200 Soviet-made tanks. Berlin has as a replacement of the more modern leopard-2Tanks are only promised 20, and that doesn’t include the latest variant. According to the Polish Defense Minister Błaszczak, they would only be operational in twelve months. “Certainly there are gifts that should only be accepted with great caution,” he recently explained. Previously, Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk im mirror even talked about a “deceptive manoeuvre” by Germany.
“We will vigorously examine every possibility of supporting Poland”
Lambrecht explained in the letter that Berlin also had 100 battle tanks of the type Leopard-1 A5 offered as a replacement and armored personnel carriers Marten. Both are older tanks. She pleads for understanding, because the Bundeswehr also lacks modern equipment: “As you know, compensation from Bundeswehr stocks is not possible in view of our own shortfall and compliance with our alliance obligations.”
However, Berlin had “resolutely examined every possibility of supporting Poland”. She read with concern statements about Poland’s disappointment in the press. She expressly thanked the Ukraine for handing over tanks from Polish stocks. “Your country has provided effective support to Ukraine with the generous and, above all, very quick donation of tanks. For that, you have my greatest personal respect and heartfelt thanks.” She also lets her counterparts know that she considers “close and tireless solidarity” among allies and friends to be essential. Now it’s the turn of the Polish side again. Lambrecht asks for feedback.