Germany quarrels with Spain over arming Ukraine
Berlin reportedly raised the alarm over Spain’s supposed plans to provide as many as 40 German-made tanks to Ukraine, revealed in a media report last Sunday. Madrid allegedly had to scale back the scheme dramatically amid the German government’s concerns.
The Spanish government ended up apologizing to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The shipment of Leopard 2 combat tanks “would be the first time a NATO member state would send modern tanks in Ukraine”, presumably putting pressure on Germany to follow suit. This would be “extremely awkward” for the German leadership.
Madrid has reportedly revised its initial plans, first reported on by El Pais earlier this month, down to a maximum of ten vehicles.
Unnamed German government sources claimed that the delivery of tanks could be delayed as the tanks are currently out of commission and in need of repairs, which could take several months.
Since the Leopard 2 combat tanks Spain was reportedly planning to send to Kiev, were bought from Germany in the 1990s. Madrid would first need Berlin to clear the delivery.
German law states that the government needs to review any deals involving German-made weapons, including those resold to third parties.
The initial El Pais report cited Spanish government sources who said Madrid was finalizing shipment of an anti-aircraft missile battery. Spain was reportedly willing to provide German-made Leopard 2 A4 combat tanks to Kiev in addition to training for Ukrainian personnel.
Since the start of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine in late February, a number of EU member states, as well as the US, UK, and Australia, have been supplying Ukraine with weapons and ammunition.
Although these countries stopped short of delivering heavy weapons to Kiev during the first month of conflict, others have recently started sending howitzers and multi-launch rocket systems to Ukraine.
Russia has consistently condemned the shipping of weapons, claiming they only serve to prolong the conflict.
SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES