Germany agrees to supply 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, allows re-export by other countries

Reuters reported this with reference to the Federal Republic of Germany's official statement.

On Wednesday, January 25, the German government decided to transfer to Ukraine the main battle tanks of the Federal Republic of Germany Leopard-2.

“This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability. We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally,” Scholz said in a statement.

Thus, at the first stage, Germany will send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Germany will also grant appropriate permits for the transfer of tanks to partner countries that want to quickly deliver Leopard 2 from their warehouses to Ukraine's Armed Forces.

“Germany's decision paves the way for other countries such as Poland, Spain and Norway to supply their stocks of Leopard tanks to Ukraine,” the publication wrote. 

It is noteworthy that the training of Ukrainian defenders will soon begin in Germany, and the country will also provide material and technical support and ammunition.

Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz:

"German main battle tanks, further broadening of defense support and training missions, green light for partners to supply similar weapons. I just heard about these important and timely decisions during a conversation with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz. I am sincerely grateful to Olaf Scholz and all our friends in Germany."

• During the 8th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein on January 20, the provision of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine wasn't agreed upon. 

• Ukraine has agreed on the training of its tanker crews on German Leopard 2 and British Challenger 2 tanks - they will begin soon.

• On January 22, it became known that the UK is in favor of an international agreement to provide Ukraine with German tanks.

• As of January 22, it was known that Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that Warsaw allows the creation of a coalition with countries that are ready to give Ukraine part of their Leopard 2, without the participation of Germany, if Berlin does not agree to provide Ukraine with these tanks.

• On January 23, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that they would send Germany an official request for permission to transfer Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the coming days.

• The German military-industrial concern Rheinmetall is ready to transfer 139 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, as soon as the government gives permission for this.

• On January 24, it became known that US President Joe Biden is ready to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine in order to stimulate Germany to hand over the Leopards.

• According to the results of the latest negotiations, Ukraine expects to receive about 100 Leopard tanks from 12 countries.