Scholz is delaying the provision of high-quality German tanks to Ukraine, the media reports
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, despite pressure from several other high-ranking officials, is postponing the final decision on whether to provide Ukraine with high-quality tanks for the war against Russia.
Politico reported this, citing four people familiar with the discussions.
The plan, proposed by Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, provides for the supply of about 100 tanks.
A decision on this issue was initially expected this week. But now things are in disarray, as the Social Democrat chancellor, to the disappointment of his government coalition partners, says Germany must first reach a common position with Western allies on the issue before supplying such heavy military equipment.
"I think this is exactly the question where it would be a serious mistake for Germany to take a special role and a special path," Scholz said, insisting that Germany should not act faster than allies in tank supplies.
NATO foreign ministers discussed Ukraine's military support on Wednesday and Thursday but did not provide any specifics on tank supplies.
Earlier, German officials ruled out delivering more sophisticated Western military equipment, such as tanks, to Kyiv, arguing that it would take weeks or months to train Ukrainian soldiers.
But as it is understood that the war is likely to last longer, officials say they have begun to consider supply issues that Ukraine could use at a later stage.
While the Czech government has reportedly sent Soviet-era tanks and armored personnel carriers identical to those already used by the Ukrainian army to Ukraine, German tanks mark a new level of Western heavy weapons in the war.
In particular, Germany is considering sending light tanks Marder: armored vehicles equipped with anti-tank missiles.
The German defense company Rheinmetall said it could provide 100 such tanks, which are currently stationed at the company.
Politicians are also discussing whether Berlin will be able to supply its heavy Leopard world-class battle tanks in a similar way.
"Rheinmetall reportedly has not only Marder but also heavier weapons," said Anton Hofreiter, chairman of the European Bundestag's Green Committee.
