Spain wants to send tanks to Ukraine, reports Germany is blocking

The move would make Spain the first NATO country to provide modern third-generation military vehicles to Kiev and could greatly affect the course of the pro-Ukrainian war in its battles against Russia in Donbas. But Berlin must accept this to happen.

This news has put Germany in a difficult situation, as its lawmakers give the final word whether the super tanks produced by Germany should be sent to Ukraine or not.

“The opportunity to send them is on the table”, Spain's Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed on Wednesday to Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER, after the daily newspaper El Pais at the weekend found that the government was considering sending about 40 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine.

According to the paper, which cites government sources, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had made the offer to Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky already during a visit to Kiev on April 21st, but said plans were later temporarily suspended due to the complexity of the operation.

The article also said Spain had offered Ukrainian troops the training needed to operate tanks, which will take place in Latvia, where Spain currently has 500 deployed soldiers.

While German medium Der Spiegel, quoting sources within the German government, Germany has warned Spain that this step would be avoidance from the Western informal decision not to supply Kiev with western tanks, reports Express.

The journalist of Der Spiegel, Stephen Ludke, who said that if this is true, then it means that the German government not only does not send the western tanks to Ukraine, “but actively decate allies to do it, at a time when the Ukrainian government is looking desperate to secure heavy weapons”

The reporter's Twitter post has been distributed by Eurodeputta Violet von Cremon, who also expressed disappointment.

Unfortunately, it's very true. German Chancellor's not about that. I was shocked to hear this not only from our friends in Baltic, Poland and Ukraine, but also from many other countries in the EU. No German leadership, but instead it prevents others from making any decisions. Too bad”

#Spain conditioned delivering #Leopard Cans Ukraine. Then Berlin told them off, agreeing to @derspigel info @MelAmann.

Is this step going to be a department from the informal department of West not to suppress Kiev with westers 1/4 Pic.twitter. com/Sw2w FShkEv

) Steffen Lüdke (@stluedke) June 11, 2022

Unfortunately, it is very much true. ? / Chancelor is not up to it. I was supposed to hear that not only from our friends in the Baltics, Poland and Ukraine but also from many other states in? No? Really bad. https://t.co/6HTEsTx6gg

(@ViolavonCramon) June 11, 2022