opinion
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) justifies his refusal to deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine with the USA and other allies. But his arguments are advanced, his hesitation embarrassing for Germany.
Ukraine wants the Leopard 2. Poland has it and wants to deliver it – but needs approval from Berlin. Other EU countries are also pushing for Germany to deliver Leopard 2, or at least agree to having it delivered by allies.
And Chancellor Olaf Scholz? According to media reports, he is now ready to deliver the coveted tanks under conditions. According to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” and “Bild” newspapers, in a telephone call to US President Joe Biden, he made it clear that Germany could only deliver if the US in turn provided Ukraine with its own Abrams main battle tanks. His argument: Germany shouldn’t go it alone. Great Britain has already promised 14 Challenger 2 heavy tanks.
Olaf Scholz waits in vain for the USA
And the US is currently refusing to deliver the Abrams main battle tank to Ukraine. US Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl told journalists on Wednesday that the Abrams tank was a “very complicated” armament. It is expensive, requires difficult training and consumes a lot of fuel with its turbine drive. “It’s not the easiest system to maintain.” It’s not about what’s symbolically valuable, it’s about what really helps Ukraine on the battlefield.”
Scholz should know that at least since his phone call with Biden. In this respect, his arguments “no going it alone” and “waiting for the USA” against deliveries of Leopard to the Ukraine are trumped up. Scholz’s hesitation costs lives in Ukraine: that of soldiers at the front as well as that of civilians whose homes are hit by Russian rockets. And Scholz betrays a nation fighting an autocratic aggressor for its freedom and democracy.
Good arguments against delivery of Leopard 2
There are also good arguments against the tank deliveries: If Ukraine were to reconquer Crimea with the help of western tanks – as justified as this might be under international law – President Vladimir Putin would certainly see this as an attack on Russia. Hardly anyone outside the Kremlin can predict how he will then react. A further escalation of the war is likely to result in any case.
tank building
The Leopard 2 is considered the best main battle tank of its time
In fact, in a recent survey by the opinion research institute YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency, 43 percent of respondents in Germany are against the delivery of Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine and only 39 percent are in favor. 16 percent do not provide any information.
Scholz damages Germany’s reputation
If the Federal Chancellor were to stand up and give honest, comprehensible arguments against tank deliveries to Ukraine, we could at least have a discussion. But as it is, he is hiding behind the USA and is increasingly damaging Germany’s international reputation.
Incidentally, my colleague Finn Rütten sees it differently. You can read his opinion on this here.
Source: Stern
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