Scholz is to be pressed on Leopard 2 tanks supply to Ukraine - Alexander Khara

He expressed this opinion on the Espresso TV channel.

"For several months now, the United States has been publicly stating that it supports any decision by European partners to provide any type of weaponry for Ukraine to defend itself. Also yesterday, one of the Pentagon officials who were in Kyiv said that the US is not going to supply Abrams tanks, because, from a logistical point of view, it will take a lot of time. That is why the decision to supply Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks is the best one at this stage of the war," Khara explained.

The security expert is convinced that Chancellor Scholz will make a positive decision on the supply of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

"Leopard 2 tanks are manufactured in Germany. There are enough of them in all European countries that are NATO members. So, it is these tanks that can be delivered to Ukraine more quickly than Abrams tanks from the United States. Scholz's position on this issue depends on him personally, but his advisors also play a significant role in making this decision. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the allies will press Scholz on the issue of supplying Leopard 2 tanks. At least to lift the ban on the supply of German-made tanks from third countries," he added.

• Poland is ready to provide Ukraine with 14 Leopard tanks and hopes that other NATO countries will follow suit and manage to assemble at least an armored brigade.

• Germany may decide to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine as early as this week.