Germany's reluctance is key to delay in supplying tanks to Ukraine - Josep Borrell

Josep Borrell said this in an interview with elDiario publication.

"This is a political decision that has not yet been made, mainly because of Germany's reluctance. If this is not achieved, the war will continue until next spring, when Russia will probably try to launch a new offensive," the European Commission High Representative said.

Josep expressed the opinion that the war in Ukraine is currently in a state of stagnation, and against this background, discussions are underway to provide tanks to Ukrainian defenders.

"There is a discussion about whether to give Ukraine weapons that will not only deter the Russian forces but also repel them by breaking their front. This is the discussion about tanks that is taking place today, and which is slowly, too slowly, moving towards a decision to supply these weapons," he stated.

Borrell also emphasized his support for the transfer of Western-style tanks to Kyiv. Otherwise, in his opinion, the war will continue.

• During the eighth meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense in Ramstein on January 20, the provision of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine was not agreed upon.

• Ukraine has agreed to train its tank crews on German Leopard 2 and British Challenger 2 tanks, which will begin soon.

• The new German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans to visit Ukraine. He also said that Germany will not waste time and will continue to discuss the issue of Leopard 2 tanks for the Ukrainian Armed Forces with its allies.