Germany announces tank delivery to Ukraine

Berlin has resisted exporting tanks and previously indicated it would only authorize a shipment if the United States committed to sending tanks also.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: January 25, 2023 5:55am

Updated: January 25, 2023 6:05am

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday that his country will send Leopard 2 to Ukraine to assist in the fight against Russia.

"This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability. We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally," Schultz said in a translated statement.

Germany said it consulted with its allies, which agreed to send other Leopard 2 tanks as well. The first German shipment will include 14 tanks. The Ukrainian tank crews will be trained in Germany, the chancellor said.

Berlin has resisted exporting the German-made tanks and previously indicated that it would only authorize a shipment if the United States committed to sending M1 Abrams tanks.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that she doesn't "have anything to share," but that the Defense Department "never ruled out" shipments of tanks.