Merz: Germany to deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine


Union faction leader Friedrich Merz has spoken out in favor of a delivery of German Leopard 2 battle tanks to support Ukraine in the fight against the Russian war of aggression. “We should also help Ukraine in this regard so that they are able to push back Russian aggression,” said the CDU leader on Friday at a meeting of the leaders of the Union faction in Murnau, Upper Bavaria. The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Schmyhal, had previously called for such a delivery.

Schmyhal is expected in Berlin on Saturday. On Sunday he will be received by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in the Chancellery. Schmyhal is the highest-ranking Ukrainian politician to visit Berlin since the Russian war of aggression began more than six months ago. In an interview with the German Press Agency, he said: “We need a change in the philosophy of arms deliveries. By that I mean: modern battle tanks should also be supplied.” Ukraine expects “the USA to supply us with their Abrams tanks and we expect Leopard 2 from Germany”.
Merz said he had already spoken to Schmyhal on May 2 in Kyiv about arms deliveries. He will now also meet him on Sunday or Monday on the sidelines of his visit to Berlin. The parliamentary group leader emphasized: “A delivery of German tanks, including battle tanks, corresponds to the decision of the German Bundestag of April 28, 2022”, as requested by the Union parliamentary group.

For Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), a direct delivery of battle tanks and armored personnel carriers has so far been taboo. No other NATO state has so far handed over such weapon systems to Ukraine. However, Spain has offered German-made Leopard 2 tanks.



Source link -68