Germany announces delivery dates for Marder IFVs and Leopard tanks to Ukraine

The head of the German Defense Ministry Christine Lambrecht made the announcement, BBC reports.

"We will make sure that by the end of the first quarter, 40 Marder tanks and the Ukrainian military trained for their use will go to Ukraine," she said at a press conference on Thursday.

As for the possibility of transferring Leopard heavy tanks to Ukraine, according to Lambrecht, the German government has not yet made a decision on the issue. The minister reiterated that Germany does not intend to take unilateral steps in the supply of weapons to Kyiv.

In recent months, the Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly asked Germany to supply Leopard tanks, which can significantly influence the course of hostilities. However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that in this matter Berlin will act only in coordination with its allies, meaning primarily the US.

• So far, no country has delivered Western-made tanks to Ukraine. The day before, Poland announced its willingness to transfer Leopard tanks, which are in service with the Polish army, to Ukraine. At the same time, London announced plans to transfer Challenger tanks, and Washington announced its readiness to send Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
• Experts note that the issue of tanks will be resolved at a meeting in the Ramstein format, and the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Danilov assured that Ukrainian soldiers will master Leopard in a matter of weeks.
• On January 6, President Joe Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a joint package of military assistance to Ukraine after telephone talks: the US intends to supply Ukraine with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and Germany with Marder infantry fighting vehicles.