Germany did not allow Spain to transfer old German tanks to Ukraine – Der Spiegel

Germany did not allow Spain to transfer German Leopard 2 A4 tanks to Ukraine. Der Spiegel writes about it.

Spain planned to transfer 40 tanks produced in the 90s to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to international rules, she had to preliminarily coordinate the transfer with the tank-producing country, but did not do this. In addition, according to Der Spiegel, Germany warned Spain that this move would be a retreat from the decision taken by all Western allies not to supply Ukraine with tanks.

According to Business Insider, as a result, the Spanish authorities apologized to Germany for the inconvenience caused. If Berlin agreed, it would be the first time that a NATO member has supplied battle tanks to Ukraine, Der Spiegel notes.

The fact that Spain intends to transfer to Ukraine several Leopard 2 A4s sold by Germany in 1995 became known in early June. So far, Spain has delivered only ammunition, personal protective equipment and light weapons (S-90 grenade launchers or machine guns) to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Germany itself is also refusing to supply tanks to Ukraine due to fears that Ukraine could "become self-confident" and bring them into Russian territory. The second reason for the refusal is Germany's distrust of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Source: THE INSIDER

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