Scholz defends Germany’s reluctance to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine

BERLIN (Reuters) – Chancellor Olaf Scholz rebuffed criticism on Sunday that Germany was not leading western attempts to equip Ukraine with heavy weaponry to oppose Russia’s invasion, saying he’d rather be careful than making hasty decisions.

Scholz is under pressure at home and abroad to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons such as tanks and howitzers, as well as to support an immediate EU embargo on Russian energy imports in order to deprive President Vladimir Putin of hard currency that he uses to fund the conflict.

“I take my decisions fast and in concert with our partners,” Scholz told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper in an interview. “I find hasty actions and maverick German efforts questionable.”

In a U-turn, Germany approved the sale of “Gepard” anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine on April 26, a move supported by 55 percent of Germans who stated in an opinion poll that Europe’s largest economy should sell such armaments to Ukraine.

However, the choice did not assist Scholz’s public image of indecisiveness and lack of leadership. According to a Bild am Sonntag poll, 54 percent of respondents were dissatisfied with Scholz’s handling of the issue. According to the study, his approval rating has dropped to 32%.

Some of Germany’s NATO allies were dissatisfied with Scholz’s early reluctance to arm Ukraine, fearing Russia would widen the conflict to include countries other than Ukraine.

Others, such as Poland, are dissatisfied with Germany’s opposition to a European Union embargo on Russian gas supplies.

The Greens and Free Democrats, Scholz’s junior coalition allies, are more eager to provide further military support to Ukraine.

Scholz has had to weigh their demands against those of left-wing members of his party who argue that providing heavy weaponry to Ukraine risks inciting a Russian military response in a third nation and igniting a wider confrontation.

Moscow refers to its efforts as a “special operation” aimed at disarming Ukraine and ridding it of anti-Russian nationalism instilled by the West. Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of launching an unjustified assault.

Joseph Nasr contributed reporting, and Alexandra Hudson edited the piece.

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