The plan to provide Leopard 2 tanks to the Ukrainian government has drawn criticism from German lawmakers, who claim that doing so runs the risk of escalating the conflict.
The head of the Left-wing in the German parliament, Dietmar Bartsch, criticized the decision of the German government to supply the Leopard 2 tanks to the Ukrainian authorities. Mr. Bartsch thinks that has the potential to bring humanity closer to World War 3 .
“The issue of the Leopard main battle tank, which violates another taboo, is bringing us closer to World War III, not to peace in Europe,” Bartsch told the news agency. DPA was late on January 24, and described the German government’s decision as dangerous.
The German MP said that the delivery of the Leopard main battle tank was a “prelude” to a possible “catastrophe”.
Mr. Bartsch warned that, after calling for the supply of battle tanks, the Ukrainian authorities will continue to call for the supply of combat aircraft.
On the same day, Tino Chrupalla, co-chair of the Party Choice for Germany, also strongly criticized the decision of the German government to supply Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, describing this decision as absurd. responsibility and danger.
“Germany runs the risk of being directly drawn into the conflict. Our armed forces continue to run out of weapons as a result of the transfer of tanks from the German armed forces’ stockpile,” he said. Mr. Chrupalla warned.
According to Chrupalla, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is putting the safety of Germany and its citizens at risk.
Earlier, Der Spiegel newspaper, citing sources familiar with the matter, said on January 24 that the government of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was about to approve a plan to supply 14 Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine after months of hesitation. The German parliament is scheduled to discuss the issue on January 25.
Over the past few months, Germany has faced great pressure from its NATO allies to supply Ukraine with heavy battle tanks. Berlin last week signaled that it only agreed to aid Leopard tanks when the US delivered M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. The administration of US President Joe Biden said at the time that it could not provide Abrams because the equipment was expensive, difficult to maintain, and difficult to operate.
Germany has 320 Leopard tanks but does not disclose how many of them are in combat readiness.
Leopard 2 is a main battle tank with a range of about 500km. This weapon was first put into use in 1979 and has a top speed of 68km/h. In addition to the 120mm smoothbore gun as the main weapon, the Leopard 2 is also equipped with two coaxial light machine guns.
Russia warned that if Germany transfers tanks to Ukraine, Moscow will be forced to respond in the context of bilateral relations at a relatively low level.
