“symbol of all failures”
Tank debate drives a wedge in the traffic light
01/21/2023, 7:07 p.m
FDP defense expert Strack-Zimmermann and SPD parliamentary group leader Mützenich exchanged heated blows in the debate about the delivery of battle tanks to Ukraine – and symbolically show what the traffic light dispute is about at the moment.
The differences within the traffic light government over the supply of main battle tanks to Ukraine grow into a tangible coalition quarrel. The chairwoman of the defense committee, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann from the SPD, and SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich delivered a violent public exchange of blows with mutual accusations. On Twitter, Strack-Zimmermann described Mützenich as “the symbol of all the central failures of German foreign policy”. She wrote: “His views of yesterday lead to the problems of tomorrow. He is no longer able to adapt his worldview to reality.”
On Friday, Strack-Zimmermann attacked Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the ZDF “heute journal”, which in turn triggered a violent reaction from Mützenich. “Mrs. Strack-Zimmermann and others are talking us into a military conflict. Those who are today demanding that they go it alone with heavy battle tanks will be screaming for planes or troops tomorrow,” said Mützenich. “Politics in times of war in Europe are not made in the style of outrage rituals or gasping, but with clarity and reason.”
Strack-Zimmermann had described the communication, especially from Scholz, on the issue of battle tank deliveries to Ukraine as a “catastrophe”, because on the one hand Germany is giving Ukraine massive support, but the lack of a decision on the battle tanks gives a different impression. Scholz remains guilty of explanations.
“Unfortunately, Germany just failed”
“History is looking at us, and unfortunately Germany just failed,” said the FDP politician, referring to the federal government’s pending decision on the delivery of “Leopard 2” battle tanks to Kyiv. On Friday, the allies met for a Ukraine conference in Ramstein, at which further billions in aid for the country attacked by Russia were agreed. The new Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced on the sidelines of the meeting that the availability and number of Leopard tanks would be reviewed. “At least a signal would have been right to give the partners the green light,” said Strack-Zimmermann. By that she meant the desire of countries like Poland to deliver their own “Leopard 2” from German production to the Ukraine. For this they need a permit from Berlin. However, she is certain that the “Leopard” will ultimately be delivered to Ukraine.
Mützenich emphasized that security policy is not limited to arms deliveries. “Close coordination with the military world power USA and the attempt to involve the rising power of order China is elementary for a resilient end to the war in Ukraine.” Scholz has met both claims since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine. He also warned of a new Cold War. “The consequences would be countless old and new wars, also in Europe, with all the terrible consequences.”
The Green Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt was also disappointed. “I would have wished that the German government had already cleared the way for the delivery of ‘Leopard’ tanks this week,” she told the Funke media group. “These are urgently needed in Ukraine. Ukraine is not only defending its own country, but also our freedom.”
Selenskyj appeals to Germany
The Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev urged the German government to clear the way for the delivery of “Leopard 2” battle tanks immediately. “We need German tanks – and we need them now,” he said. “We don’t have time to check, think and hesitate. What we need: decide, train and deliver in a coordinated manner. Immediately.” Makeiev was disappointed with the outcome of the Ramstein conference. “I have to be honest, we expected a lot more from our German partners.” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also made it clear at the conference that it was in Germany’s power to decide whether the tanks would be delivered.
SPD foreign policymaker Nils Schmid emphasized on Deutschlandfunk that it is not the case that Pistorius now has to start counting tanks, but that it is a matter of putting together meaningful packages to support Ukraine in coordination with partners. And that has to be prepared. “The impression that has occasionally been given that there is a closed coalition and Germany is standing in the way – this impression is wrong.” Schmid emphasized that a careful and prudent assessment of the escalation risks and coordination with the allies is necessary. Apparently there is still no unified opinion, “but that doesn’t mean that such a weapon delivery can’t come. Work is continuing on it.”
Baltic states want to deliver
Recently there had been reports that Scholz had made the delivery of the US Abrams main battle tank a condition for the possible dispatch of German main battle tanks. However, according to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Pistorius had made it clear that there was no such connection.
The foreign ministers of the Baltic countries have also asked Germany to deliver “Leopard” tanks to Ukraine. “This is necessary to stop Russian aggression, help Ukraine and quickly restore peace in Europe,” wrote Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics on Twitter – according to his own statements also on behalf of his counterparts from Estonia and Lithuania. “As a leading European power, Germany has a special responsibility in this regard.”