Germany Supports Ukraine with Leopard 2 Tanks... Re-export Also Approved

"Leopard 14 Units to Be Provided to Ukraine"
Re-export of Tanks to European Partners Approved
US Considering Abrams Tank Support

Leopard tank, Germany's main battle tank
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The German government has decided to support Ukraine with its main battle tank, the 'Leopard 2.' It has also approved the re-export of the same model tanks held by other allied countries to Ukraine.

On the 25th (local time), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced at a cabinet meeting that Germany, after close consultations with allied countries worldwide, has decided to strengthen military support for Ukraine.

In a statement released that day, the German government said, "Germany's goal is to enable Ukraine to quickly form two battalions equipped with Leopard 2 tanks," adding, "As the first step, Germany will provide 14 Leopard 2 tanks from its own military inventory."

Additionally, training for Ukraine will begin in Germany, and Germany plans to provide logistics and ammunition maintenance systems. The German government also stated that other European allied countries plan to support Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks as well.

Previously, Germany had pledged to support Ukraine with the Marder armored personnel carrier but was reluctant to provide tanks due to concerns about escalation. In contrast, the United Kingdom and Poland have already expressed their intention to support Ukraine with their main battle tanks.

As a result, voices in the international community criticized Germany's passive stance, saying it could cause divisions within NATO member countries and called for Chancellor Scholz to make a decisive decision.

Meanwhile, the United States, which had also been hesitant to provide tanks alongside Germany, is reportedly considering supporting Ukraine with M1 Abrams tanks. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that an official announcement could be made within this week.