Russia, NATO, others react to Germany’s supply of weapons to Ukraine

Germany will send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and approve their re-export from partner countries, German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said on Wednesday. Russia has cast deliveries of heavy weapons to Ukraine as proof that the West is escalating the war.

The Russian embassy in Germany said that Berlin’s decision meant it was abandoning its “historical responsibility to Russia” arising from Nazi crimes in World War Two. In a statement, the embassy said that the decision would escalate the conflict to a new level. Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the German decision confirmed what she said was a “pre-planned war” against Moscow.

The Kremlin said that Abrams battle tanks supplied to Ukraine by the United States would burn, dismissing the proposed shipments as an expensive folly.

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Germany’s decision, saying in an interview with media outlet WELT they would help Ukraine win against Russia. “At a critical moment in Russia’s war, these tanks can help Ukraine defend itself, win and stand as an independent nation,” he said.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday that Germany had made the right decision.

“The right decision by NATO Allies and friends to send main battle tanks to Ukraine. Alongside Challenger 2s, they will strengthen Ukraine’s defensive firepower. Together, we are speeding up our efforts to ensure Ukraine wins this war and secures a wave of lasting peace,” Sunak said on Twitter.

The French presidency welcomed Berlin’s decision to send tanks to Ukraine and allow other states to do the same. “France welcomes the German decision, which extends and amplifies the support we have provided with the delivery of the AMX10 RC,” the Elysee said in a statement, referring to a France-made lighter combat vehicle that Paris is also aiming to send to Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki thanked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday for his decision. “Thank you, @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz. The decision to send Leopards to Ukraine is a big step towards stopping Russia,” he stated.

Finnish Defence Minister Mikko Savola said on Wednesday his country would take part in the group of countries sending tanks to Ukraine, although the contribution would be limited in scope. “The international cooperation to send Leopards to Ukraine is advancing now and Finland will participate in that,” Savola told reporters.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands is prepared to deliver battle tanks to Ukraine if needed. “If a contribution from the Netherlands helps, we are prepared to do so,” Rutte told Dutch broadcaster RTL. Spain is open to providing Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said.

Reuters/S.O