Germany won’t block export of tanks, says foreign minister

• Polish Prime Minister: Berlin will be asked for permission to send tanks to Ukraine.
• Germany’s foreign minister says she would not stand in Poland’s way.
• Poland is prepared to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kiev on certain condition.

Germany‘s foreign minister Anna Baerbock has said she “would not stand in the way” of Poland if they were to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

Ukraine has requested German-made tanks from the West, claiming that doing so will help them beat Russia.

However, Germany has not yet sent the armored vehicles, and other nations are unable to send their own due to its export regulations.

On Sunday, Ms. Baerbock stated that Poland had not yet requested authorization for exports.

She said on Sunday to France media, “For the time being, the question has not been raised, but if we were asked, we would not stand in the way.

Mateusz Morawiecki, the prime minister of Poland, announced on Monday that Berlin would be asked for permission. But he said that even if it wasn’t, Poland would still send the tanks to Ukraine.

“Even if, ultimately we did not get this consent, within the framework of a small coalition….we will still hand over our tanks, together with others, to Ukraine,” Mr. Morawiecki said.

A representative for the German government stated that no requests to authorize the delivery of the Leopard 2 tanks on Monday had yet been received.

Mr. Morawiecki declared last week that his nation was prepared to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kiev.

Marcin Przydacz, the foreign policy adviser to the Polish president, stated on Monday that while he welcomed Ms. Baerbock’s remarks, he would prefer to hear Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirm Germany’s position.

“It turns out that through talks and diplomatic actions, Poland is able to change the German position,” Mr. Przydacz told Polish Radio.

Warsaw, however, ultimately desires that Berlin and NATO partners also send their own Leopard tanks, as government officials acknowledge that 14 tanks will only make a minor effect on Ukraine’s ability to fight.

Also Read

Germany yet to make decision on sending tanks to Ukraine

Mr. Zelensky stated, "Each arrangement must be carried out as swiftly as...