Political tensions rose in Germany over the possibility of Spain sending Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine. The central issue is Berlin’s authority to approve or reject any shipment, especially under a clause that requires Germany to consent before such equipment is sold or donated to a third party. If Madrid is allowed to be the first Western nation to dispatch main battle tanks, Germany’s agreement would likely follow. Experts consulted for this analysis suggest a notable shift in international strategy could emerge: current deliveries focus on defense systems such as missiles and artillery, with examples including S-300 anti-aircraft guns already deployed, and high-quality artillery pieces approved for transfer by the United States. Western-made missiles such as HIMARS rockets and Javelin systems, or Spanish C-90 equivalents, are in play, but tanks manufactured in Russia are not involved in these discussions.
Historically, the United States did not deploy Abrams tanks, France did not send Leclercs, and Britain did not provide Challengers. Poland, however, supplied at least 200 Soviet-made T-72 tanks.
“The Spanish government has assured us that no decision has been made, and we know that no official request has been submitted. When a request arrives, it will be examined accordingly,” said a Madrid-based spokesperson. Graf Lambsdorff, a Bundestag deputy from the liberal FDP, answered questions for EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA, part of the Prensa Ibérica group.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles noted this Wednesday that the 40 Leopard battle tanks remain unused for years, while the possibility of gifting them to Ukraine continues to be discussed. She emphasized that any move would be coordinated with other nations and that potential adaptations could be made if necessary. Ukraine publicly requested Leopard tanks from Madrid last Friday.
Artillery and missiles yes: tanks no
What distinguishes the use of an American Javelin missile or a Spanish C-90 rocket from deploying a German Leopard tank supplied by Spain? Modern battle tanks are intricate systems featuring optics, radars, firing controls, remote-guided munitions, and smoke suppression. The Kremlin could interpret the presence of these tanks as an escalation and direct NATO involvement in the conflict.
Similar concerns arose when Poland offered its MiG-29 fighters to the United States, with the plan to move them from Ramstein to the Ukrainian air force. Washington vetoed that transfer.
A practical drawback is the need to train Ukrainian personnel in handling, maintaining, and operating these tanks, in addition to the broader logistical requirements involved.
Germany has approved the shipment of Howitzer 2000 self-propelled artillery, which features a 155-millimeter gun, comparable in caliber to the Leopard’s 120-mm main gun. Even so, artillery remains a long-range enabler rather than frontline armor, and the risk remains that sending Western battle tanks could spark a direct confrontation between Western and Russian armored forces.
Criticism from Ukraine toward Spain
Last Friday, June 3, the Ukrainian embassy in Madrid voiced concerns about the scale of arms shipments. A total of 200 tons were dispatched on the Ysabel Army cargo ship on April 28, with fighting lasting only a few hours, according to military officials who advised Presidents. Ambassador Serhii Pohoreltsev warned that Spain’s current exports account for only a fraction of the country’s war potential and urged Spain to consider broader commitments, stating that Leopard tanks could be provided and kept rather than used under hostile conditions.
Two days later, El País reported that Spain was prepared to deliver anti-aircraft missiles and Leopard tanks to Ukraine.
The process in Berlin is intricate. The economy minister must give consent first, followed by a vote in the Bundessicherheitsrat, a council of ministers chaired by the chancellor. The composition and political leanings of the government influence the pace and outcome of any decision. Conservatives and Greens have shown stronger willingness to permit transfers, while the final decision, if it arrives, could be delayed by lengthy procedural steps.
Kyiv has criticized Berlin for its stance during the war. Earlier objections included Europe’s gas-related ties to Russia, notably the Nord Stream projects, and concerns about the role of influential figures tied to the Russian energy sector. Berlin has also faced scrutiny for delaying or limiting the delivery of heavy weapons and for not meeting earlier promises regarding equipment such as Gepard anti-aircraft systems.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz postponed a trip due to tensions with the Ukrainian leadership, who declined to meet him during a visit to Kiev. Scholz and President Macron maintain ongoing channels with Moscow, part of a broader diplomatic balance that has characterized European responses to the conflict.