Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz, was asked about a potential eighteenth agreement and replied that the agreed items had already been delivered to Ukraine. The issue centers on Leopard 2 tanks, with Kyiv seeking promises that Germany would equip Ukrainian forces. The topic surfaced during a joint appearance with the Dutch prime minister in Rotterdam. Recently, the weekly Der Spiegel reported that German Leopards were already on Ukrainian soil, a disclosure Berlin had guarded for security reasons until now. These Leopards have been deployed by the German armed forces, and training for Ukrainian soldiers on how to operate them has occurred on German soil. Scholz gave the green light to supplying Leopard 2 tanks last January, after weeks of accelerated training for Ukrainian troops. This decision followed intense pressure from Kyiv, Washington, and Warsaw to authorize German-made tanks for Kyiv.
In the western edition of the story, Germany initially pledged 14 tanks, but pressure from Europe and NATO allies prompted a higher target. The plan reportedly increased to 18, with two battalions totaling 31 units each being considered, according to Der Spiegel. Poland moved quickly to accept Scholz’s approval. Other European nations such as Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Finland were also preparing commitments in the ensuing weeks. The United States pledged the delivery of Abrams tanks in a comparable class. These developments mark a coordinated effort among Western allies to respond to Kyiv’s requests for heavy armor. The strategic aim is to reinforce Ukraine’s capacity to regain control over occupied areas and protect civilians in contested regions, including Donbass.
Ukraine views main battle tanks as essential for defeating Russian forces and reclaiming seized territory. After Germany authorized Leopard 2 deployments, no official statements emerged from Berlin or Washington about supplying fighter jets. Scholz has described such a move as a red line he does not intend to cross, reflecting a shared concern with the United States that direct NATO troop engagement could escalate the conflict. Poland has signaled willingness to deliver Soviet-made MiG-29 aircraft, a prospect that Ukrainian pilots are cleared to fly in combat operations. These choices illustrate the delicate balance Western leaders seek between strengthening Ukraine and avoiding an expanded confrontation with Russia. In public discourse, analysts note that discussions around armor and aircraft are deeply tied to broader security assurances and alliance solidarity, while many observers emphasize the ongoing need for careful risk assessment and alliance coordination in a volatile regional environment. These positions are part of a broader, ongoing dialogue among NATO members about how best to support Ukraine while managing the potential political and military ramifications. (Der Spiegel)