© PATRIK STOLLARZ / AFPLeopard 2 A7 main battle tank
Speaking to the TVP Info TV Channel, Muller argued the transfer was a form of self-defense. "If we do not defend Ukraine's independence, we are the next target. This has to be said directly," he said.
He said another reason for the unprecedented move to support Kiev with German-made armor was "to enforce certain behaviors" by other states. "We want to force other countries to do the same," the spokesman explained.
The Polish tank transfer to Ukraine must still be approved by Berlin. Germany has so far been reluctant to send the Leopard 2 to the conflict zone, despite mounting pressure both at home and abroad. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has argued that no other NATO country has made such weaponry available to Ukraine, and Germany should not be the first one to do so. He also stated that any such moves should be coordinated with allies.
Muller noted that international pressure had already pushed Germany to increase its military support for Ukraine. He recalled that at the start of hostilities in the country, Berlin was not willing to give any arms to Ukraine, but after being nudged on the issue, it had changed its stance.
Russia has repeatedly warned the West against supporting Ukraine with arms, arguing that it would only prolong the conflict. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated that Western weapons sent to Ukraine, as well as any foreign personnel operating them, "are legitimate targets for Russia's armed forces."
"If the West pretends that they don't know that, that's their problem," she added.
Reader Comments
You see, the real value of a conflict, the true value, is in the debt that it creates. You control the debt, you control everything. You find this upsetting, yes? But this is the very essence of the banking industry, to make us all, whether we be nations or individuals, slaves to debt.
I fail to see why it should not be so. The countries supplying the weapons should be the focus of well deserved attention as well. I am not going to hold my breath. The game must go on so Russia cannot start eliminating the other team...
There are other premises too.
The thought crosses my mind now and then. What for eludes me.
The idea is rather simple: it is necessary to make Ukraine a place completely unsuitable for living . And I believe we are witnessing just that.
As recent experiences have shown, the Leopard 2 tank is far from being a "wonder weapon". Just ask the Turks. And the tandem warhead ATMs the Russians are using now have no problems with Abrams, Challenger or Merkava tanks either.
Not to mention the logistical nightmare. Different ammunition, spare parts and maintenance requirement for each type. Different operation which require separately trained crews. Different languages, with none can be expected a conscript is proficient in.
All that looks supsiciously like "We don't know what to do, so let's at least do something !".