Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Melnyk voiced disappointment over Germany’s handling of the Leopard 2 tank question, stating that Berlin had not yet reached a decision on whether to supply these capable battle vehicles to Kyiv. He shared his assessment in an interview with CNN, highlighting the sense of urgency he believes Kyiv faces as the war continues to unfold and as Western partners assess their own inventories and political calculations.
Mr. Melnyk commended Britain for confirming its plan to deliver Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, framing the British decision as a meaningful signal of alliance solidarity and deterrence. He described Germany’s hesitation as a missed opportunity that could have motivated other allied nations to step forward. The deputy foreign minister argued that a broader, decisive move by Berlin would have amplified the momentum across Europe and encouraged additional participants to follow London’s lead in contributing to Ukraine’s defense capability.
Beyond the immediate tank transfers, Melnyk asserted that Germany’s stance extended beyond a single shipment. He claimed that Berlin had not only paused tank deliveries but also restricted the transfer of German-made Leopards that were already in service, constraining their relocation to partner states such as Poland, Finland, Spain, and Greece. In his view, Kyiv had hoped for a coordinated approach that would enable the formation of a coalition of tank providers, a collective initiative he described as a global effort to counter a superior enemy and restore balance on the battlefield.
Expressing a mixed tone of frustration and perseverance, Melnyk said that while the current sentiment within Kyiv is cautious, it remains determined. He emphasized that the Ukrainian side continues to monitor Berlin’s decisions closely, hoping that Berlin will address the concerns raised by allies during recent consultations at a major international security forum. His comment underscored the belief that concrete action from Germany could have a broader impact on the strategic calculations of other partners who are weighing their own commitments to Ukraine’s defense needs.
During a high-profile meeting in late January, defense ministers from roughly 50 countries gathered at the Ramstein airbase in Germany to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reported that the discussions yielded a clear outcome: while the group acknowledged the gravity of Ukraine’s requirements, no final decision had been reached about supplying Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv. The dialogue underscored the delicate balance many capitals seek between rapid military aid and broader political, economic, and security considerations that shape such choices in a multi-member alliance.
In the broader regional context, statements were echoed by several Baltic and Eastern European foreign ministries. They stressed that Germany’s eventual decision is closely watched by neighboring governments and partners who perceive Germany as a cornerstone of European security. The tenor of the discussions at Ramstein reflected a shared perception that practical support, whether in armor, ammunition, or defensive systems, remains a key element of deterrence and resilience for Ukraine as the conflict persists and the security landscape in Europe continues to evolve.