Germany is doing what is “necessary” to support Ukraine by authorizing the deployment of Leopard tanks in Kiev, but wants to avoid a war between Russia and NATO, the German chancellor said on Wednesday.
“We are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but at the same time we want to prevent an escalation of the conflict towards a war between Russia and NATO. [Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte]said Olaf Scholz in parliament, after announcing the permission to send German-made tanks to Kiev.
Affirming that Germany will send 14 “Leopard 2 A6” tanks from Federal Army reserves and train Ukrainian soldiers to use these vehicles, in addition to authorizing the sending of other “Leopard 2” held by armies of allied countries, referred the German Chancellor to the deputies who discussed the decision with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Germany will always respond when it comes to supporting Ukraine,” Scholz assured ahead of the parliamentary plenary session, underlining that the delivery of tanks will be carried out “in coordination with the Allies” and as part of a response to “imperialist aggression “. . from Russia.
“Our decision implies sending a first company of tanks from our army, which correspond to the modern version of the ‘Leopard’,” he explained.
The chancellor acknowledged that “there is no mathematical certainty” that the decision to send the tanks to Ukraine will have the desired result, but considered it a “sufficient option”, especially as it is a plan “in consultation with the United States “. and France”.
Scholz sends a message of calm to the German population. “Trust Me and the Government”
Scholz added that the government decision after “intense negotiations” with the Allies, as sending tanks is not something that Germany can do “alone”, and he took the opportunity to send a calm message to the German people about the consequences this could have for the country’s security.
“Trust me and the government,” he asked in his speech to the federal parliament (Bundestag), insisting that the decision was not made due to pressure from events or partners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Olaf Scholz for Berlin’s green light for the deployment of Leopard 2 armored personnel carriers, saying it was an “important and timely” decision.
After a telephone conversation with the German Chancellor, Zelensky underlined that the change in German position on this issue also “represents the green light for other allies to supply similar weapons”, as countries such as Poland needed Germany’s approval to put the leopards in your to send property. .
German main battle tanks, further expansion of defense support & training missions, green light for partners to deliver similar weapons. Just heard about these important and timely decisions in a conversation with @Olaf Scholz. Our sincere thanks to the Chancellor and all our friends in .
– Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 25, 2023
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Dimitro Kulebaacknowledged that a “tank coalition” had already been formed, referring to the various countries showing willingness to send German-made armored cars.
“All those who doubted that this would happen, look now: nothing is impossible for Ukraine and its allies,” Kuleba said.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy called on other countries to “join this coalition and deliver as many as possible” of Leopard 2.
So the tank coalition is formed. Anyone who doubted that this could ever happen now sees: for Ukraine and partners, nothing is impossible. I call on all new partners who employ Leopard 2 tanks to join the coalition and deliver as many as possible. They are now free.
– Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) January 25, 2023
“The first step has been taken. Ukraine needs a lot of leopards,” Andrej Zermak, head of the Ukrainian president’s office, said earlier on the Telegram social network, quoted by the Spanish agency EFE.
Source: DN
