FM says Germany will let Poland send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine | DW News

We begin with signs of movement on the question of supplying Ukraine with German-made battle tanks.
Germany's Foreign Minister Annalenna Baerbock now says Berlin will not object to Poland sending its Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv.
It has long requested the tanks to bolster its defences against Russia's assault. Germany has so far held back from supplying the tanks, and even blocked other allies from doing so. Third countries need Berlin's approval to export the tanks. But Poland has indicated it's prepared to send them -- even if there's no agreement with Germany.

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[mosesodhis]

The initiative by Poland is on another level

[markpowell]

Bit of a quick U-turn. I reckon Poland told Germany they were going to do it, anyway, so they may as well pretend they're OK with it. The Ukrainians are already in Poland training to use the Leopards. They aren't wasting their time on that just on the off chance. Still, 14 Leopards plus the 14 Challengers from the UK are not exactly going to turn the tide. A LOT more armour needed to repel the imminent Russian offensive. Come on, Europe! We can't expect the Americans to bail us out every time. This is a EUROPEAN war.

[frankdunnage]

Ironically Poland seems to be the only European country actively participating and developing its defensive and offensive capability Europe has been really slow in preparing and ramping up military production. S. Korea has been filling gap especially for Poland.

[ionnanskilliorus]

Poland: We'll give the tanks without German permission.
Germany: OK you can give the tanks.

[jeremyclark]

What is the best anti-tank weapon in the Russian arsenal?
Olaf Scholz.

[humanonearth]

Poland to Germany, "Here, hold my Zywiec."

[sebhonwyczal]

Thank you Poland for you did everything! Rock Poland!

[dirtyharry]

Don’t object to Spain or Finland to supply Leopards 2 to Ukraine

[sipoppy]

I am liking Poland more and more each day!

[daffyduck]

Looks like we can rely on Germany to do the right Once all other options have been exhausted.

[alicenchang]

Thank you poland for your contineous sopport for ukraine

[davidwittgruber]

Me as a german feel sorry for what scholz is doing there... :(

[fancyhat]

Poland was going to give them to Ukraine anyway so this kinda smacks of a desperate attempt by germany to make it look like they're in control. Either way atleast the correct decision has finally been made thanks to Poland and also thanks to the UK for sending those first dozen to get the ball rolling.

[Mike.Muc..]

Many of the Polish Leopard 2 were given to Poland at the symbolic price of one Euro a piece. Poland doesn't care for German tanks any more. They are in the middle of creating a massive Polish defense industry, specialized on heavy weapons, especially howitzers and tanks. The are closely cooperating with BAE and the largest South Korean defense manufacturer. This will open the European arms market for heavy South Korean systems. At the same time Poland has started to build up Western Europe's largest army, based on tanks and heavy weapons.

[derekarnold]

Leopards were used in Afghanistan was that not a war zone? Well done Poland.

[ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

I think Baerbock was finally able to sway Scholz's mind. She has long advocated to send heavy equipment, including tanks to Ukraine.

[Check-it-out]

Scholtz is soft. He is not cut out for ‘life or death’ decisions. He should be a gardener.

[persephone]

It's way past time for this decision... let's hope the follow-up action of actually getting the tanks into Ukr won't take as long!
Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

[ivans]

Need more arms for Ukraine to stop the russian regime 🇺🇦✌️

[keithpalmer]

Poland can rely on the USA to supply it with weapons to defend itself. Poland CANNOT rely on Germany to help provide it with weapons to protect itself! And helping Ukraine defend itself IS PROTECTING