Berlin.
Germany is not delivering any tanks to Kyiv for the time being. That is an international embarrassment for the Federal Republic, believes Christian Kerl.
It is unexpected bad news for Ukraine – and an international embarrassment for Germany. The West is strengthening its Arms aid to Ukraine – but again there are no commitments for the urgently needed battle tanks. The federal government is primarily responsible for this setback. Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to play for time and is now even risking an open rift in the western alliance.
Scholz’ hesitation in Ramstein: disappointing and unabashed
It is disappointing that Germany is not promising Ukraine any Leopard tanks from its own stocks for the time being. That Scholz has announced in Ramstein that there will be an examination of those that are dispensable Leopard Reserves I’m only going to start at home now is unabashed – as if there hadn’t been enough time for that.
Ukraine Crisis – The most important news about the war
The summit, however, is that the federal government is even denying alliance partners permission for the time being to Germany to export the developed Leopard tank to the Ukraine: This is an unfriendly act that provokes a dramatic loss of confidence among the Allies.
The continued hesitation is a strategic mistake, which is exacerbated by poor public communication. Germany had good reasons not to go it alone in increasing arms aid. But now it is actually alone among important NATO partners – as a procrastinator and brakeman. Instead of showing leadership, Berlin takes refuge in formalities. Also read: That’s why Ukraine desperately wants Leopard tanks
German hesitation in arms deliveries: first prudence, then embarrassment
Initially, the braking maneuvers could still be understood as a sign of prudence, because it could not be ruled out that Russia could see the new arms aid as a dangerous escalation, even as a western entry into the war. But the Kremlin itself has refuted that: warlord Putin has his propagandists making snarky comments about alleged problems with Western weapons that certainly won’t stop the Russian advance. more on the subject: Germany delivers Marder to Ukraine – what can the armored personnel carrier do?
There should be Putin err though. However, Moscow’s reaction should be a reason to examine Western rhetoric. Excessive expectations have also been aroused during the past few weeks of heated debate: Modern main battle tanks like the German Leopard are not silver bullets that Ukraine could use to shoot its way to victory.
Russia has a significant advantage in the number of troops, weapons and war technology in the upcoming battles. And as a major nuclear power, it still has escalation options. The West will not be able to deliver large numbers of battle tanks any time soon. It is dangerous wishful thinking that these weapons could turn the tide in the Ukraine war and drive Russia out of the occupied territories and ultimately even out of Crimea. Also interesting: Puma tanks not operational due to serious breakdowns
Tanks for Ukraine: The country does not have time to wait
Ukraine needs Leopard tanks not to win, but to avert defeat. In conjunction with other heavy weapons, the Ukrainian army good chances of resisting the upcoming Russian major offensive in the Donbas, tearing gaps in the enemy lines, disrupting supply routes and recapturing at least some areas.
If it comes down to a military stalemate in the summer, with both sides over an end to the war thinking, a lot would be achieved. But that is exactly why Ukraine needs additional Western help. Now, not in five or six months. That’s why it’s so incomprehensible that Scholz continues to play for time. Ukraine is out of time.
Ukraine war – background and explanations for the conflict
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